Floyd Mayweather could not hold back the tears as he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame on Saturday.
The legendary boxer, who retired with a 50-0 record, is cited by many as the greatest fighter in modern history.
On stage, as he struggled to contain his emotions, he was comforted by Laila Ali, the daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who was a fantastic fighter in her own right.
Mayweather led three classes being honoured, as the coronavirus pandemic affected the 2020 and 2021 ceremonies, which included Ali as well as Wladimir Klitschko and Andre Ward.
Ali, 24-0, said: “It really is an honour to be recognised along with so many amazing fighters and my father as well.”
Accepting the honour, Mayweather said: “I done a lot in my career, but this is by far the best,” crediting his mum, dad and sister for much of his success.
“I want to thank the International Boxing Hall of Fame for giving me this. This right here is going to my dad because he deserves it. Bernard Hopkins said it best — `You’ve got to earn it.′ — and my dad earned this ring.
“I want to say thank you to everybody for your support. I want to tell all the fighters — thank you, you guys are remarkable. There wouldn’t be no me without you guys.”
Having made his debut as a professional in 1996, after winning bronze at the Atlanta Olympics, he went on to win titles titles from super featherweight to light middleweight.
During his career, he fought and beat names such as Canelo Alvarez, Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao.
Now, at 45 years old he is still one of the biggest draws in boxing, with Conor McGregor, Logan Paul and others keen to get a bit of that ‘Mayweather money’ a fight with the legend brings.
