Going for another title next month against Victor Ortiz has made Floyd Mayweather nostalgic. The multi-division champion recalled his first title opportunity, which came over a decade ago when he faced the late Genaro Hernandez.
Mayweather faced the much more experienced Hernandez in just his second year as a pro in 1998. The bout was at super-featherweight, where Hernandez had never been defeated. Mayweather’s speed and power, both at their zenith at 130 pounds, proved to be too much for Hernandez, who succumbed to Mayweather’s offense via an 8th round corner stoppage. It would be Hernandez’s last fight.
With Hernandez passing away in June from cancer, Mayweather publicly acknowledged his former foe’s positive influence on his career by paying for all of Hernandez’s funeral expenses.
“The fight was in Las Vegas and Hernandez was undefeated in the weight class at this time,” Mayweather explained. “It was a good fight, but when Hernandez threw in the towel in 8th round, I knew that the word “champion” would always be attached to my name. That was Hernandez’s last professional fight. It’s sad to say that Hernandez passed away this past year at age 45. I respected him as a man and as a fighter. He gave me my first opportunity to win a world title. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.”
Mayweather sees the parallels from the Hernandez win with Victor Ortiz. Mayweather is now the older fighter and facing a younger, talented albeit unexperienced foe at the championship level. While Mayweather remains the overwhelming favorite because of the perceived skill gap, Floyd sees his mindset of wanting to defeat the best opposition as the main reason he’ll again emerge victorious.
“I was a young professional and rising star who fought anyone they asked me to fight to help me get to where I am today,” Mayweather reflected. “That fight was a key moment for me and helped me set my path to the rest of my championships and the boxing greatness I have achieved in my career. I continue that same motto today as I have always been willing and ready to face the best opposition available for me to fight. On September 17, I am facing a hungry, strong champion in Victor Ortiz.”
“Ortiz is a world-class fighter and the current welterweight champion, but I am the best.”
The September 17 bout will mark Floyd Mayweather’s 19th championship fight since 1998.
MAYWEATHER VS. HERNANDEZ
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 