Floyd Mayweather may be known for his undefeated record and unmatched skills inside the ring, but recently, the boxing legend took fans by surprise by revealing his personal list of the greatest boxers of all time— and it doesn’t include some of the sport's most iconic names, like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson.
While Mayweather, with his perfect 50-0-0 record, 27 knockouts, and legendary defensive abilities, is widely regarded as one of the best to ever lace up the gloves, he recently shared who he thinks truly stands at the top of the sport. In an interview with rapper Fat Joe, Mayweather named the five greatest fighters to ever step into the ring, and it’s a list that’s likely to raise some eyebrows.
Here’s the list that 'Money' Mayweather believes are the top five greatest boxers of all time.
1. Pernell Whitaker
Mayweather’s first pick is none other than the master of defense himself, Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker. Both Whitaker and Mayweather are known for their impeccable defensive skills and technical mastery. Whitaker retired with an impressive 40-4-1 record and 17 knockouts, his style revolutionizing boxing. Mayweather highlighted how ‘Sweet Pea’ changed the game with his unmatched defensive strategy.
2. Roberto Duran
The second pick on Mayweather’s list is the legendary Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran. Known for his brutal knockout power, Duran's 103-16-0 record with 70 KOs speaks for itself. He won world titles in four different weight classes— lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight. Duran’s aggressive style and iron chin earned him a spot among the all-time greats.
3. Larry Holmes
Mayweather’s third pick is none other than the legendary Larry Holmes. With a record of 69-6-0 and 44 knockouts, Holmes ruled the heavyweight division and famously defeated Muhammad Ali in 1980. Mayweather discussed Holmes’ mastery of the jab, his resilience, and his ability to continue fighting at a high level even in the latter stages of his career. Holmes not only defeated greats but also made smart investments to secure his future beyond boxing.
4. Aaron Pryor
Next up is Aaron ‘The Hawk’ Pryor, who had a record of 39-1-0 and a staggering 35 knockouts. Mayweather described Pryor as a fierce competitor who dominated the light-welterweight division. Pryor’s explosive style and relentless pressure made him one of the most feared fighters of his era. Mayweather’s admiration for his power and heart inside the ring is clear.
5. Floyd Mayweather
And of course, no list of Mayweather’s greatest boxers would be complete without him. Although it may seem humble for the undefeated champion to include himself, it is a testament to his belief in his own skills and accomplishments. Mayweather’s impeccable record, technical brilliance, and dominance in five weight classes cannot be denied.
Tyson vs Holmes Debate
In a surprising twist, Mayweather also addressed the Tyson vs Holmes debate, revealing why he ranked Larry Holmes higher than Mike Tyson. While many fans regard Tyson as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Mayweather explained that Holmes’ consistent excellence, smart investments, and ability to keep winning even after his loss to Tyson set him apart.
“Larry Holmes beat everybody in his era. When Larry Holmes got beat by Mike Tyson, he got beat by a young hungry champion. Tyson was just unstoppable. But Holmes came back, kept fighting, and even beat young guys later in his career. He was consistent and smart with his decisions,” Mayweather stated.
Mayweather’s controversial picks and rationale have certainly sparked debate among boxing fans, but one thing is clear— his list represents the boxers who, in his mind, changed the sport forever.