Floyd Mayweather is one of the few fighters in boxing history to retire with an unbeaten record.
The 47-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan fought 50-times during his professional career, winning on every single occasion. He won world titles in five weight classes throughout his tenure, ranging from super featherweight to light middleweight.
Often dubbed as one of the greatest defensive fighters in boxing history, ‘Money’ was a master of the ‘hit and not get hit’ style which played a significant role in his illustrious career. He defeated the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez to name just a few.
Despite developing such a unique and attractive fighting style, there is one ex-fighter who has spoken out and claimed Mayweather ‘copied’ his technique.
Speaking on the WiseNuts Podcast, Hall of Famer James ‘Lights Out’ Toney said ‘Money’ mirrored his style.
“Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather took it off me. When I was training in Vegas, Floyd Mayweather came into the gym and he was asking me how to do things … Everybody know I do it the right way anyway, Floyd look like he scared, I stay in the pocket, he go out the pocket, I’m trying to break your damn face, that’s me, that’s how I fight.”
The two have been compared for their effective shoulder roll technique – the defensive ability to catch, block and roll with shots from even the biggest punchers.
Toney has always been dismissive of Mayweather’s ability to employ it compared to his own. However, the three-weight world champion has also admitted to FightHype that he wasn’t the originator.
“You seen me, right, you seen mine, my shoulder roll? Mine’s real, the real one to do it. I am the shoulder roll king, period. Hands down. It [the shoulder roll] came from Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles – ‘The Cincinnati Cobra,’ those were the originators. I just picked it up and added my polish to it. See, I’m a hitter. I knock people out!”
Mayweather would argue that his father, Floyd Sr, taught him the technique having used it himself when he was a pro.
Toney’s career spanned just shy of 30-years, winning world titles in three divisions. He walked away from the sport shortly after his 92nd professional outing in May 2017 when he knocked out Mike Sheppard in Michigan. ‘Lights Out’ is often praised for his toughness, with all 10 of his defeats coming by way of a points decision.
