Floyd Mayweather has an argument as the greatest fighter of all time – it’s certainly one he makes himself.
The 50-0 five-weight world champion beat the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez during his 21-year campaign.
A master of the shoulder roll, Mayweather’s defence worked into his offence as he made some of the best fighters of his time hit thin air before capitalising with scoring shots. He retired in 2017 with a win over UFC superstar Conor McGregor and still regularly showcases his skills on the exhibition circuit.
As one of the most successful boxers in the history of the sport, his opinion on fellow greats carries weight. Asked during an interview with rapper Fat Joe to name the best of all time, ‘Money’ Mayweather was quick to answer.
“We’ve got to go Money Mayweather [number one] then we got to go Pernell Whitaker.”
Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker was a master of the craft renowned for his slick defensive skills, elite footwork, and precise counterpunching. He came up in the late 1980s, winning the lightweight world championship and becoming the undisputed champion in that division with victories over Greg Haugen and José Luis Ramírez in ‘89.
Whitaker didn’t stop there. He moved up to win titles at super-light, welter and super-welterweight. His most memorable fights include a controversial draw with Julio César Chávez, a victory over James ‘Buddy’ McGirt, and a hard-fought loss to Oscar De La Hoya.
Despite those close decisions and the occasional controversial result, Whitaker was widely recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his era.
‘Sweet Pea’ retired in 2001 with a record of 40 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of the most skilled and entertaining boxers of all time. He passed away in 2019 at the age 55 after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.
Whitaker’s influence on boxing is still extremely relevant, with flashes of his defensive mastery and counterpunching present in the skillsets of today’s champions. Current pound-for-pound star and former Mayweather protege Gervonta Davis lists the fellow southpaw as one of his inspirations.
