The greatest fighter of his generation, Floyd Mayweather has broken down in tears after he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Mayweather was one of 14 being honoured, with the 2020 and 2021 classes also being awarded due to the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the previous year's ceremonies.
Mayweather was joined by the likes of icons Wladimir Klitschko and Andre Ward in accepting the honour.
Despite going 50-0 unbeaten, and winning every belt in his career through five divisions, he claimed the induction was ‘by far the best’ achievement of his career.
The legendary boxer cried for a full two minutes as he attempted to accept the award and had to be consoled by Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila.
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He finally said: “I said that I wouldn’t cry. This is unbelievable. This is one of the best days of my life.”
He added: “It did not matter how much money they paid me. I would have done it for free. I love the sport of boxing.”
He made sure to acknowledge the contributions his father Floyd Mayweather Snr had made toward his career, both introducing him to the sport and training him.
“I love my dad because, without him, this wouldn’t be possible,” Mayweather said.
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“He’s the best trainer ever. There will never be another trainer that’s better than my dad.”
The prolific fighter added his appreciation to his father for giving him the best advice of his career - to not take unnecessary punishment.
He said: “I want to retire on my own terms, and I want to make smart investments so I’m able to live a comfortable life once my career is over.”
Mayweather officially retired from the sport in 2017 after defeating UFC superstar Conor McGregor and surpassing Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record.
Throughout his career, Mayweather had marquee fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and Canel Alvarez among many more.
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Since retiring he has had marquee exhibition fights with the likes of undefeated kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa and internet personality Logan Paul.
Wladimir Klitschko was unable to be in attendance at the ceremony as he was in Ukraine during the ongoing war against invading Russia.
However, he sent a message to those in attendance.
He said: “Thank you fans. I never ever dreamed of getting that far in the sport. Amazing. Boxing just made me a better person, period. It taught me a lot."
Topics: Boxing, Floyd Mayweather, Australia
Jayden Collins