Floyd Mayweather on what he'll miss most about boxing, Serena Williams

Mayweather is a 5-weight division champion

We ‘oh-so-learned’ sports fans are quick to stereotype sportspersons. Boxing, being the intense sport that it is, is quite prone to this malady. As is it’s most recognizable face, Floyd Mayweather Jr. This is where we’d normally enumerate Mayweather’s many accolades, but we shall refrain from stating the obvious and overstated, regardless of impressiveness. What we shall state however, is the metamorphosis of Mayweather from one stereotyope to another.

It is to be pondered how many actually remember Mayweather as an emergent boxer who turned pro after a bronze at the 1996 Olympics. His speed, power and aggression gave him 16 stoppages in his first 24 fights, i.e ,the first half of his career. “Money V2.0” is a far cry from the take-no-prisoners arriviste. A boxing purist will still appreciate his speed and technique, while slightly ruing the absence of his youthful aggression. But the one trait that he has carried with him is his haughty defiance.

When recently asked what he will miss most about his beloved craft, Mayweather said, ““What I will miss most about the sport ... the haters,” said Mayweather. “I will miss all the jealous haters.” And the truth to that statement is evidenced by not just his ostentatious Instagram posts or the audacious social media battle with Ronda Rousey, but the unswerving focus with which he approaches his fights. His clinical style ensures he gets the prize his eagle eyes are on , silencing his nay-sayers while at it. Said ‘haters’ are more than just a necessary evil to Mayweather, they are the other organism in a symbiotic relationship.

That being said, praise or appreciation from someone like Mayweather isn’t expected to be very forthcoming. Which is why Serena Williams might be very flattered that the greatest boxer of his era is backing her to complete a calendar slam with a US open victory this year. Said Floyd, "I'm very pleased with Serena Williams. They say records are made to be broken. I'm just very proud of her and what she's done during her career. She's done some amazing things in her career. It's just marvellous what she did. I'm behind her 100%. If she stays focused she can continue to break records."

When asked what makes one-of-a-kind athletes like himself and Williams tick, Mayweather said, “"Genetics. I think that the older you get, the harder you have to work. That's what I've done. The older I get, the harder I work."

‘Money’ recently expressed his gratitude via social media to one of his most steadfast fans. The superfan, who has covered his entire back with tattooes glorifying the boxer, must have been ecstatic when his idol posted this picture on his Instagram account with this message: “I love my fans. I love you my friend. Thanks for 20+ years of support. Fans like you are the reason why I win both in and out of the ring.”:

Mayweather superfan’s whole back is an inky tribute to the boxer.