theGrio’s 100: Floyd Mayweather Jr., boxing’s ‘money man’ doesn’t know how to lose

theGRIO's 100 - Floyd 'Money' Mayweather is a professional boxer who remains unbeaten after 45 fights. Mayweather, 36, turned pro in 1996 and has reportedly amassed more than $350 million in career earnings. ..

TheGrio Staff

Jan 31, 2014

Who is Floyd Mayweather Jr.?

Floyd “Money” Mayweather is a professional boxer who remains unbeaten after 45 fights. Mayweather, 36, turned pro in 1996 and has reportedly amassed more than $350 million in career earnings.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan native comes from a family of boxers. He cruised to a majority decision victory over 23-year-old Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September – a sign that Mayweather’s age doesn’t stop him from dominating today’s younger opponents.

Why is he on theGrio’s 100?

Simply put, there’s how Mayweather fights and then there’s how everyone else fights. He’s just that masterful in the ring.

Another key component to Mayweather’s dominance is his uncompromising approach to the business side of his career. He is a one-man company, promotional vehicle, contract negotiator and pitchman. Yahoo! Sports contributing writer Paul Magno puts it this way:

“The controversial five-division world champ has managed to fight his way to an unprecedented level of career and monetary independence in the sport while becoming recognized by Forbes Magazine as the sporting world’s highest paid athlete.”

Mayweather’s ‘Money’ moniker is his way of life. It isn’t an act. Why else would he have Justin Beiber and Lil’ Wayne escort him to a recent fight?

Controversy has followed Mayweather throughout his career, much of which he welcomes with a smile. His detractors point to his arrest record, while Mayweather’s camp points out the boxing superstar’s charity work, such as helping give out school supplies to Las Vegas children in need.

What’s next for Mayweather?

Mayweather’s next fight will be later this year in May against an unknown opponent. A much-anticipated bout between him and Manny Pacquiao appears less and less likely to happen.

Last month, he made a trip to South Africa to help “resuscitate” the sport at the request of government officials. His pay-per-view numbers are still the highest in boxing and that will continue until September, 2015, when Mayweather said he will fight his last fight.

Follow Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Twitter @FloydMayweather