Floyd Mayweather is often a yardstick against which all other great boxers measure themselves.
The American who was known variously by the monikers ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ on account of his masterful defensive abilities always keeping him safe from heavy fire, and ‘Money Mayweather’ on account of how much he went on to make later on in his career.
One man who many believe had the skills to beat him is the all-time great Julio Cesar Chavez, a Mexican world champion several times over in three different divisions including welterweight and lightweight. He was considered by The Ring magazine as the pound-for-pound king from 1990 to 1993 and retired with a record of 115 total fights, 107 of which were wins with just six losses and two draws.
Speaking on PremierLiveTV, he was asked if he had been able to beat Mayweather in his prime and gave a nuanced answer relating to the weight of the fantasy contest.
“I believe that at 140 lbs, 135lbs I would have beaten him definitely. I would have beaten him why? Because that was my weight. I could never dial 147lbs. I fought for the championship but no it was not my weight, you understand me. At 135 or 140 I would have beaten Mayweather. Remember that I fought with his uncle and his uncle was the one who taught him so I think I would have beaten him.”
Mayweather retired with a record of 50-0 but has continued to fight in exhibitions, most recently against John Gotti III this last weekend when he dominated in Mexico City.
