FILE – WBC/WBA welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) works out with his uncle Roger Mayweather at the Mayweather Boxing Club on April 14, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
Roger Mayweather, a two-division world champion who also helped guide his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr. in becoming one of the best fighters ever, has died. He was 58.
“My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring,” said Floyd Jr., still grieving after the death of his children’s mother Josie Harris last week, as posted on boxingscene.com.
“Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing. Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace. Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr., my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world. It is a terrible loss for all of us.”
Roger, younger brother of Floyd Sr., won 59 of his 72 fights and fought the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker throughout a decorated career that spanned for almost two decades.
Under Roger and his father’s tutelage, Floyd Jr. went on to become a champion in five weight classes before retiring undefeated with a 50-0 record.