Those who have had the unique opportunity to sit down with Floyd Mayweather Sr. have instantaneously understood how his last name has become synonymous with boxing royalty. Boxing isn’t a contact sport that Mayweather Sr. dabbled in; boxing is his life form and only history will be able to define his family’s legacy inside and outside the ropes.

Mayweather Sr. was a boxing welterweight contender who began his career in the 1970s. Best known for his esoteric defensive tactics, Mayweather Sr. reveled in much success during his active years as a prizefighter. His first victory came on a cold Michigan night on November 21, 1974 in four rounds against Ron Pettigrew. Three years later in 1977, Mayweather Sr. stepped onto the canvas at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. He outlasted Miguel Barreto (30-8-5) to win the U.S. Championship Tournament title. Mayweather Sr. soon became heralded as a fighter that was willing to step into the ring with any willing opponent, including the great Sugar Ray Leonard at the Providence, Rhode Island Civic Center in 1978.

The transition from fighter to trainer was a natural one for Mayweather Sr. Much of his strategy and boxing style is personified in his son – the inimitable and pound-for-pound king – Floyd Mayweather Jr. Many contend that one of Mayweather Sr.’s most notable contributions to the sport has been his defensive technique known as the shoulder roll where a fighter uses his front-facing shoulder as a shield against incoming blows.

Even though he continues to battle Sarcoidosis – an inflammatory disease that mostly affects the respiratory system causing fatigue, weight loss, arthritis and shortness of breath – Mayweather Sr. will not be stopped and cannot be shaken. He gets up each morning with the determination to flourish and has a zest for life that is surely contagious.

The entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, has been home to Mayweather Sr. for over a decade. Few things give him the same satisfaction as does continuing to train his celebrated son Floyd in addition to rising stars Andrew Tabiti and Mickey Bey at the Mayweather Boxing Club.He has trained boxing greats like Oscar De La Hoya, Chad Dawson, Joan Guzmán and, Laila Ali among others.

Mayweather Sr. is a father to four children and is also proud to be a grandfather. He is fascinated by current events, politics, and likes to keep up to date with what is going on in the world which may explain why his favorite show is MSNBC’s Politics Nation hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton. When it comes to food, Mayweather Sr. has a palate for turkey, chicken and fish, and has removed pork and beef from his diet for as long as he can remember. Living a life that allows him to pursue his passion is what makes him come alive. He is the first to admit that boxing has afforded him a life of luxury and leisure, however, he is also quick to confess his desire to pay it forward and help those less fortunate as much as possible.

• Professional Record

  28-6-1 (18 KO’s)

• Date of Birth

  March 15, 1952

• Hometown

  Amory, MS

• Current Residence

  Las Vegas, NV