The 44-0 boxing champion closing in on Floyd Mayweather’s record that you've never heard of

50 fights. 50 wins. Floyd Mayweather earned his place among the world's all-time boxing greats and his 50-0 record is a piece of pugilism lore in its own right.

Mayweather, now 49, remains unbeaten. He won 27 of his fights by knockout and is a nine-time world champion.

The fighter closest to equalling Mayweather's remarkable record is Abel Mendoza. The Texan has now won all of his first 44 fights, 32 by knockout, but that doesn't even begin to tell the story of what looks on first viewing like a legend in the making.

Mendoza's latest win was in Dallas, Texas, where the 30-year-old beat Javier Rodriguez to claim the WBA-NABA title.

It was only his 13th professional fight in the United States. His 44-0 numbers have been verified after earlier discrepancies but the standard of Mendoza's opponents and the unusual lack of progress for a fighter with 40+ wins cast a shadow over the credibility of his unbeaten record.

"Several opponents on Mendoza’s unbeaten run arrived with losing records, inactivity, or limited experience, reinforcing the same concerns that have followed him throughout his rise," reports World Boxing News.

"Unbeaten fighters usually follow a recognizable career pattern as the opposition level rises and the matchmaking becomes more ambitious.

"Whether his team believes more seasoning is needed or simply knows he is not yet ready for the elite names remains open to interpretation, but the trajectory still feels unusual for a fighter carrying such a high number of professional bouts."

Mendoza is approaching a boxing world record

Mayweather's 50-0 stands alone. 'Pretty Boy' is the only boxer to have retired having won 50 fights without losing or tying a single one.

The great Rocky Marciano retired on 49-0, while legendary Welsh fighter Joe Calzaghe called it quits on 46-0 in 2008.

Terence 'Bud' Crawford announced his retirement last year after 42 wins in 42 fights.

All of these champions retired with perfect records and Mendoza has achieved neither the titles nor the career-long perfection to stand in that kind of company.

"Crawford retired undefeated after reaching 42-0 against elite opposition across multiple divisions before completing undisputed success. Mendoza has officially moved beyond that number, but the reaction surrounding the achievement remains very different," adds WBN.