How many fights has Floyd Mayweather lost in his career?
Floyd Mayweather has been at the top of the boxing world since the 1990's, winning each of his 50 professional bouts. But has Money ever lost a fight?
We all know of Floyd Mayweather's incredible record as a professional boxer. If you didn't know, just listen to an interview of his or ask him yourself, and he won’t hesitate to tell you all about his undefeated record.
But he may not be as eager to bring up with the handful of defeats he suffered before turning pro. While they are hardly ever discussed, and they hardly appear when you search for Money Mayweather’s track record, as a youngster the Grand Rapids native did have a fair share of losses while coming through the ranks.
Tyson believes Logan is going to "get beat up pretty bad"
While perfect as a pro Mayweather was defeated as a youngster
Before becoming sports highest earning athlete, an adolescent Mayweather lost a handful of fights, as you would expect from a youngster refining his craft. The actual number of defeats dealt to the living legend is debated in boxing forums around the internet, but many suspect it’s anywhere from five to nine. Some results are easier to find than others.
In the lead up to the Atlanta Olympic Games Floyd went toe-to-toe with childhood friend Augie Sanchez. The two grew close while training, and winning amateur tier tournaments as a part of the same boxing team. The young Mayweather was in a weight class below Sanchez who was fighting in the 125 pound class.
By the time the featherweight Olympic trials came around Floyd beefed up from 112 lbs to 125 and got his chance to fight his long time teammate.
Childhood friend Augie Sanchez one of few to beat Mayweather
Sanchez won the first of three qualifying bouts in a tight 11-12 decision. Mayweather got redemption in the final two fights of the best-of-three format and earned his spot in the Summer Games that year.
The most notable loss, and most visible for that matter, came in those 1996 Olympics. The 18 year old amateur reached the 125 pound semi-final fight. His opponent was Serafim Todorov from Bulgaria. The bout went to decision, and the referee lifted Mayweather’s hand before realizing the judges had sided with the Bulgarian.
Floyd's last loss came in the Olympic Semis
Controversy surrounded the decision and protests from the U.S. team were submitted in the subsequent days. Much of the concern surrounded head of boxing officials, Bulgarian Emil Jetchev, who was suspected of intimidating judges.
One of the judges, Bill Waeckerle stepped down from his position as Olympic Games and federation judge after the decision was announced. "I refuse to be part of an organization that continues to conduct its officiating in this manner" said Waeckerle after the fight.
That was the last time Floyd was defeated in a boxing ring. He went on to win bronze after the semifinal defeat, and later that year turned professional.
Mayweather’s first professional bout came in October 1996. A second round knockout of Roberto Apodaca started a historic victory streak for Floyd which carries on to this day. Floyd is 50-0 in his career, and although his June 6th fight against Logan Paul is deemed an exhibition, and won’t count in his official record, only a crazy person would bet that Paul could hand the featherweight his first loss since 1996.
His career will have him in the record books, and his name will forever be brought up in discussions debating the best boxer to ever live. His amateur record will never change his legacy in the sport.