Floyd Mayweather: Punch Hard Enough to Win

Floyd Mayweather: Punch Hard Enough to Win

© 2014 by Jane K Allende

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Early Years

Widely considered the greatest boxer of his era, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Boxing is in his blood. His father, Floyd Sr., was a welterweight contender, and his uncle Jeff Mayweather is a former IBO super featherweight champion. Another uncle, Roger Mayweather, is a former World Boxing Council super-lightweight champion.

His father introduced Mayweather to the gym not long after he started walking, holding his young boy in front of speed bags whenever they visited. Soon, Mayweather was throwing punches at anything that came in his view. At the age of seven he was fitted for his first pair of boxing gloves.

Little Floyd, as he was known, became a staple at his neighborhood gym, which was conveniently located just five doors down from his family's home.

His family life was complicated. His father had a violent temper, and drifted in and out of danger. In 1978, while holding his son, he was shot in the leg during a dispute with the brother of a girlfriend. In 1993, the elder Mayweather was sentenced to prison on cocaine trafficking charges. Mayweather's mother has also dealt with substance abuse issues.

Boxing Success

Away from the circus of his family, Mayweather found peace and control in the ring. Known as Pretty Boy early in his career for his unmarked face, Mayweather, with his fast, precise style, won the National Golden Gloves in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

While he finished 84-6 as an amateur, his pre-professional career ended bitterly at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta when he lost a controversial decision and was forced to settle for a bronze medal.

Mayweather turned professional on October 11, 1996. As a pro, Mayweather continued to win at an astonishing rate. With his father