Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 record is one of the most impressive achievements in boxing, with a host of legends unable to overcome him, but there is one former opponent who disagrees with that unbeaten run, believing that he should have got the decision when they fought.
In a 50-fight career, Mayweather rarely got caught clean, with Shane Mosley famously being the only opponent to rock the Michigan slickster, despite facing the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao. It was another man, however, who gave Floyd his closest fight – and one that many in the sport feel he lost.
Speaking to ESNEWS this week, José Luis Castillo reaffirmed his belief that he should have got the decision when he first fought Mayweather in April 2002 – deemed to be the American’s most controversial win.
Mayweather – defending his WBC lightweight title – boxed much of the bout with an injured left shoulder and was forced to rely heavily on movement and right-hand counters, while Castillo applied constant pressure and enjoyed success to the body.
Many observers felt the Mexican had done enough to win, but Mayweather retained his belt via unanimous decision (116-111, 115-111, 115-111), with the scoring drawing significant controversy and eventually leading to a rematch later that year.
The American would score a more decisive victory, but to this day his initial encounter with ‘El Terrible’ remains his most disputed triumph.
Fast forward to today and it the famous undefeated record could be put at risk in the coming months, with a rematch against Pacquiao announced for September.
It would have ended a nine-year run of professional inactivity at the age of 49, but the contest has now been put thrown doubt after Mayweather claiming it will instead be an exhibition. Pacquiao’s side disagree, and say binding contracts will ensure the fight goes ahead as announced.
