The debate continues to this day. Which version of Floyd Mayweather was better? Was it the ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd who used slick defensive moves not only to dazzle in the ring but also to bait opponents into match-ending knockouts? Or was it the ‘Money’ Mayweather, who fought the distance and churned out multi-million-dollar gates and PPV revenue? Most, especially casual fans, would probably pick the latter. His jet-setting, uber-luxurious lifestyle matches his image as the richest boxer in the world.
Be it inside the ring or outside, he is the proverbial ‘Money Man.’ His close friendship with Luck is hard to miss. To gauge, one only needs to look at his success in winning bets. Two weeks ago, going against the tide that largely believed in Canelo retaining his four belts against Terence Crawford, Floyd Mayweather put his money on the underdog and raked in some hefty moolah. It was just one example. In the latest, he shared how he made $37,391.30 while predicting the Minnesota Lynx would win the first quarter against Phoenix Mercury.
Floyd Mayweather adds another win to his wallet
As he usually does, Mayweather shared the betting receipt through his Instagram story. Priced at $20,000, the undefeated former champion was slated to win $17,391.30. And as it happened, though they lost the playoff 84-76, the Minneapolis-based team won the first quarter. They ceded the second and the fourth, handing over the game to their Arizonian rivals. Still, the first-quarter finish helped Mayweather, as he ended up taking home a handsome $37,391.30. He wrote, “Sitting courtside at the game, betting the first quarter a light quick pick.”
Two weeks ago he made roughly four times the amount. Certain that Terence Crawford would outbox Canelo Alvarez, whom he defeated back in 2013, Mayweather bought a $50,000 ticket that had a $74,000 winning price on Crawford. And when the Nebraskan southpaw created history, Mayweather grabbed a neat $124,000.
Contrast this with influencer Bryce Hall, who reportedly lost $200,000. Like many, he felt Canelo would successfully defend his title and remain a world champion. Clearly, Mayweather not only thrives on sharp business acumen but also enjoys the blessings of Lady Luck.
Last year, Mayweather wagered his money on former champion Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to lose the crucial title clash against rising star Jose Valenzuela.
‘Money’ Mayweather – The king of the ring (and money)
It must have shocked many, because Valenzuela was a +455 underdog. Perhaps confident about his winning streak, Mayweather decided to wager on one more fight on the same card – Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller. Considering that Ruiz was returning after a two-year layoff, many felt Miller would have a walkover against the former heavyweight champion. The match ended in a draw.
Overall, from a single event, Floyd Mayweather made $34,000. It has been eight years since Floyd Mayweather retired from professional boxing. Fights against the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Oscar De La Hoya, and the late Ricky Hatton had already turned him into a major PPV draw. But the game changed when he fought Manny Pacquiao and later Conor McGregor.
With 4.6 million and 4.3 million pay-per-view buyouts, respectively, he became the catalyst for over $700 million worth of revenue. Needless to say, his fight purse still remains unmatched.
What’s your take on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Mike Tyson exhibition?
