Floyd Mayweather, known for his impeccable 50-0 professional boxing record and his self-proclaimed title of “The Best Ever” (TBE), has sparked controversy with his latest ranking of the top five greatest boxers of all time. In a surprising move, Mayweather’s list notably excludes two of boxing’s most iconic figures: Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
In a recent appearance on FatJoe’s Instagram Live, Mayweather shared his personal top five boxers, which notably features himself as the first name. His selections include:
- Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs)
- Pernell Whitaker (40-4-1, 17 KOs)
- Roberto Duran (103-16, 70 KOs)
- Larry Holmes (69-6, 44 KOs)
- Aaron Pryor (39-1, 35 KOs)
Mayweather’s omissions have left many boxing enthusiasts and analysts puzzled, especially considering the significant legacies of Ali and Tyson.
The absence of Muhammad Ali, widely celebrated as one of the greatest heavyweights and an all-time great boxer, is particularly surprising. Ali’s unparalleled impact on the sport and his historic bouts have solidified his status in boxing history, making his exclusion from Mayweather’s list a point of contention.
Similarly, Mike Tyson, whose dominance in the heavyweight division during the late 1980s is legendary, was left out of Mayweather’s top five. Tyson’s ferocious power and early career success have cemented his place as one of the sport’s greats, making his omission a notable surprise.
The list also omits other prominent names such as Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard, who are frequently mentioned in discussions about the greatest boxers of all time.
Mayweather justified his selections by praising the achievements and skills of the boxers he included. He highlighted:
- Pernell Whitaker for his defensive prowess and skill.
- Roberto Duran for his resilience and fighting ability.
- Larry Holmes for his consistent dominance and technical skills throughout his career.
- Aaron Pryor for his impressive career achievements, despite his lone loss being marred by drug-related issues.
“Larry Holmes beat everybody in his era,” Mayweather stated, explaining his choice of Holmes. He also spoke highly of Pryor, noting that his sole defeat was due to external factors.
Mayweather’s list has generated a flurry of reactions from fans and analysts. Many are questioning the criteria used for ranking, given the historical significance and achievements of the players left out. The debate reflects ongoing discussions about the subjective nature of such rankings in sports, where personal biases and varying criteria can influence perceptions.
As Mayweather remains active in the boxing world through exhibition matches, including an upcoming bout against John Gotti III, his rankings will likely continue to stir discussions among boxing fans and experts alike.
Floyd Mayweather’s latest ranking of the top five greatest boxers has certainly made waves, stirring debate about the criteria for greatness in boxing. While Mayweather’s list reflects his personal view, the absence of legendary figures like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson underscores the complex and often contentious nature of evaluating boxing greatness.
