Floyd Mayweather's Bold Choices: Who Makes His Mount Rushmore of Boxing?
When it comes to boxing, everyone has an opinion, but when a legend like Floyd Mayweather shares his top picks, the boxing world listens. Mayweather, never one to shy away from the spotlight, confidently included himself in his list of the greatest boxers of all time. But who else earned a spot on his exclusive roster?
Mayweather's inclusion of himself isn't surprising, given his undefeated record of 50-0. He's a defining figure of the 21st century, having conquered the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton.
His other selections highlight boxing's golden eras, spanning the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
First up, Mayweather selected a defensive master:
"We gotta go Pernell Whitaker."
'Sweet Pea' Whitaker, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, was a defensive genius. His command of distance, timing, and footwork set a new standard. Despite a controversial loss to José Luis Ramírez in 1988, Whitaker went on an undefeated streak for a decade, claiming world titles across multiple weight classes. His draw with Julio César Chávez in 1993 remains one of boxing's most debated decisions.
Mayweather then moved from the lighter weights to heavyweight royalty:
"I’m gonna go Roberto Duran. If we gonna go heavyweights I gotta go Larry Holmes, because Larry Holmes beat everybody in his era. When Larry Holmes got beat by Mike Tyson, he got beat by a young, hungry champion — and he came out of retirement and got beat by Tyson.”
Roberto Durán, the 'Hands of Stone,' is considered one of history's greatest lightweights. He was a complete fighter, winning titles from lightweight to middleweight. Larry Holmes dominated the heavyweight division for seven years, making 20 successful title defenses. He defeated formidable opponents like Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers.
Mayweather's final pick was a bit of a surprise:
"Aaron Pryor."
'The Hawk' Pryor was a relentless force at super-lightweight, known for his brutal victories over Alexis Argüello in the early 1980s. His speed and aggression made him a feared competitor.
Mayweather's list showcases his self-belief and respect for boxing history. It's a reminder that while eras change, greatness endures. But here's where it gets controversial... Do you agree with Mayweather's picks? Who would you include on your list of the greatest boxers of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
