Floyd Mayweather News: 'Money May' Says He Is No Longer Pound-for-Pound King But Claims He Is Still 'The Best Ever'
Retired undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. has conceded to the fact that he is no longer the sport's top pound-for-pound fighter.
He does, however, remain adamant that he is still widely considered as "The Best Ever" (TBE).
In a report by Edward Chaykovsky for Boxingscene.com, the title for top pound-for-pound fighter is now given to current World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight champion Roman Gonzalez. "Chocolatito" holds an unblemished win-loss slate of 44-0, with 38 victories by knockout.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
In an interview with BBC, "Money May" says he no longer considers himself as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, given that he has already retired. He does, however, believe that he deserves to be called "The Best Ever," given his accomplishments.
"It's not being cocky or arrogant, it's just the proof is in the pudding," Mayweather said. "I think I have earned the right to call myself TBE. And I have lived up to the name TBE by going out there, day in, day out, when I was active and winning."
Mayweather adds that he got to where he is through sheer hard work, and the "strong" and "smart" team that has been with him since he began his professional career in 1996.
Mayweather managed to walk away from the sport of boxing with an undefeated record of 49-0, with 26 victories by knockout. He is one win shy from surpassing the record of the late great Rocky Marciano. He last saw action in September 2015, against former two-time world champion Andre Berto, where he emerged victorious via a convincing unanimous decision verdict.
Prior to his final fight, Mayweather earned his biggest paycheck and the "Greatest Fighter of This Era" argument by handily defeating five-year on-paper rival Manny Pacquiao in May.
Mayweather's "The Best Ever" claims have irked a number of the sport's legends. In an October 2015 interview, Panamanian boxing legend Roberto Duran disputed the claims, noting that Mayweather "learned" Duran's style of fighting and that he would handily win if they had ever fought when they were still at their prime.
