Floyd Mayweather Discusses Racism In Boxing

Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather never shies away from saying what’s on his mind, and his recent interview with with FightHype was no different. When asked about the possibility of racism in the sport of boxing, Mayweather had this to say: “I truly believe that racism still exists in boxing.”

Mayweather pointed to the treatment of UFC star Rounda Rousey, and how it compared to boxer Laila Ali during her domination of the sport, to support his claim. “After Ronda Rousey fought I think 9, 10, 11 fights, it didn’t even take that long, she got all types of endorsements, movies, and everything. Laila Ali did the same thing in better fashion. Ronda Rousey, she’s a good looking woman when she put it on. Laila Ali is a drop-dead gorgeous woman; I mean a naturally beautiful woman and can kick ass, but you never heard them [the media] saying when she had I think somewhere around 10, 11, 12 fights that she was the baddest woman to ever fight on the planet.”

Mayweather also discussed boxer Andre Ward, and his seemingly unfair ranking. “I can’t believe they got Andre Ward ranked No. 4 in the pound-for-pound list…without Andre Ward losing a fight, he has to be No. 2,” he said. “I mean, he wins his fights not in good fashion, but in great fashion, and they have him at No. 4…I truly believe that racism still exists in the sport of boxing.”

The champ also feels that some boxers are not talked about because of their race and affiliation. “When I sit back and think, it’s so many good fighters out there that they don’t talk about…but you know what? I know why they not talking about these fighters. Because the majority of these fighters are black or affiliated with me and Al Haymon.”

On his relationship with HBO he says that it’s always been always a good one, however when he decided to do a deal with Showtime, a move that he says helped better himself as well as his family, he got nothing but scrutiny.

Ultimately, Mayweather says he wants to bring the rightful attention to all of the boxers who deserve it. Now that the has retired as one of the best boxers ever, Mayweather is attempting to help others circumvent the racism that he sees in the sport.

Sources: Bleacher Report, Fight Hype, Twitter (picture)