Not everyone agrees that Floyd Mayweather earned the right to retire undefeated.
In 2017, the five-weight world champion ended his storied career with a spotless 50–0 record, having secured world titles from super-featherweight to super-welterweight and defeated elite fighters like Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and Canelo Alvarez.
But Bob Arum, the veteran Top Rank promoter who helped guide Mayweather through much of his early career, believes one controversial decision should have left a blemish on that resume.
In an interview with ESPN in which he looked back on contentious cards, Arum said the April 2002 fight against Jose Luis Castillo was ‘a travesty of scoring.’ He pointed out that HBO’s Harold Lederman had it 116–111 for Castillo and referenced punch stats that, in his view, clearly backed the Mexican fighter.
“After watching that fight, I got in the ring and went to Mayweather’s corner. I commiserated with them. I told them that one loss wouldn’t destroy their career. They thought they’d lost.”
The promoter then criticised the ringside judges for the scores of 116-111, 115-111 and 115-111.
“The judges not only found for Mayweather unanimously, they scored it as if it wasn’t even close. What kind of absurd scoring is that?”
Finally, Arum recalled the crowd’s reaction that night.
“People started booing. Mayweather, upset with his performance, immediately agreed to a rematch. He’s a smart boxing guy and knew he’d messed up. Castillo won that fight, eight rounds to four — no question”
He isn’t alone in that opinion — countless big names in the sport have also gone on record to say ‘Money’ Mayweather deserved to lose that night. He made a better impression in the rematch, eight months later, however, winning on the cards without controversy.
