Remembering a former world champion: Roger Mayweather

The boxing world was saddened by the news of the passing of former world champion Roger Mayweather, who has died, aged 58, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Roger was part of the famous Mayweather fighting family that included former contenders (brothers) Floyd and Jeff and former world champion and P4P star (nephew) Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather, who had been battling some serious health difficulties over the last decade, will be remembered as a tough, rugged, old-school fighter who willingly took on the very best of his era.

In an 18-year career that saw him step into the ring 72 times (59-13, 35 KO’s), Mayweather would amass a resume that saw him battle some outstanding fighters and top contenders including, Sammy Serrano, Jorge Alvarado, Rocky Lockridge, Tony Baltazar, Kenny Baysmore, Julio Caesar Chavez, Freddie Pendleton, Pernell Whitaker, Harold Brazier, Vinnie Pazienza, Terrence Ali, Rafael Pineda, Livingstone Bramble, Zack Padilla, Darryl Tyson, and Kostya Tszyu; an impressive list to say the least.

Roger, a 2-time world champion, had a jam-packed trophy case. The native of Grand Rapids, Michigan had a very good career as a fighter that saw him capture the USA/Nevada State Featherweight title, the USBA Lightweight title, the WBA World Super Featherweight title, the USBA Super Featherweight title, the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight title, the WBC World Super Lightweight title, the IBO Super Lightweight and Welterweight titles, and the IBA Welterweight title; a lotta hardware!

After his fighting days were over, Mayweather gained a lot of attention for his work with his nephew, and multiple world champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr. who was considered one of the best fighters in boxing. Roger trained Floyd Jr. for much of his career.

In his later years, Mayweather had shown the effects of his 72-professional fights and had a difficult battle with serious, diabetes related health issues.

The boxing world was quick to respond with fond memories and praise for the fighter that called himself, “The Black Mamba”.

- “My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring. 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” – Floyd Mayweather Jr.

- “The entire Top Rank family sends its condolences to the Mayweather family following the passing of former 2-time world champion and legendary trainer Roger Mayweather” – Top Rank Boxing

- “Losing the Mamba hurts a lot. Roger Mayweather was one of my personal favorites for decades. A man’s man inside the ring. Diabetes KO’d the champ. It was sad to watch it take him down but we’ll always remember Roger as a fierce competitor and brutal finisher. I loved the mamba and he knew it” – Bruce Trampler

- "We recently lost ‘The Black Mamba’ of basketball, and today we lost boxing’s ‘Black Mamba’ with the passing of former World Champion Roger Mayweather. He was Floyd Mayweather Jr’s uncle and trainer, but inside the ring he had his own reputation as a great right hand puncher. Farewell Champ” – Teddy Atlas

- “Unfortunately Roger Mayweather has passed away. The original ’Black Mamba’, who then became ’the Mexican Assassin’, was one of my favorite fighters of the 80’s. RIP” – Steve Kim

- “RIP Uncle Roger, God Bless” – 50 Cent

-“Quick story when I was around 11-12 years old, I came into the Mayweather gym and I met Roger we started talking and he quizzed me on the history of boxing, he tried to stump me but I passed and he was impressed, hahaha. I’ll always remember that” – Ryan Garcia

- “The original Black Mamba. Roger Mayweather won belts in two weight divisions. He was no joke at 130, 135, and 140lbs” - Max Kellerman

- “We are saddened with the recent news of Roger Mayweather’s passing. Our hearts go out to the Mayweather family and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We thank you all for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Roger’s spirit lives on with us forever” – Mayweather Promotions

On behalf of the entire Maxboxing staff, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mayweather family at this difficult time. Thanks for the memories Roger. Rest in Peace, Champ.