Reliving Floyd Mayweather’s Toughest Challenge in the Ring

On May 3, 2014, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Floyd Mayweather successfully defended his WBC and The Ring welterweight titles, while winning Marcos Maidana‘s WBA (Super) welterweight title via a majority decision, with the judges scorecards reading 14–114, 117–111, and 116–112. This turned out to be one of the toughest fights for “Money,” and Big Fight Weekend are taking you back to fight night on the anniversary of that bout.

Floyd Mayweather Wins Tough Fight Against Maidana

Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana Recap

Maidana was aggressive from the first round, forcing Mayweather to engage. This tactic worked well for the Argentine fighter, who had more success than anyone before him. The varying angles Maidana attacked from were impressive and often forced Mayweather against the ropes, unsure of where the next attack was coming from.

Mayweather had to adapt and engage more than normal  – and his ring IQ helped him come back into the fight and ultimately saw him get the decision. The Michigan native was the more accurate puncher during the fight, and despite being hit more than previously, he still made his Argentine opponent miss. 

After the fight, Maidana expressed his frustration with the scorecards: “I definitely think I won. Floyd had never been hit by a man before. I had to change the gloves [after a last-minute problem with his original gloves on Friday] and I still gave him a great fight. He did dominate some rounds but the majority, I dominated them.”

What Came Next?

Maidana got his wish and rematched Mayweather on September 13, 2014, and “Money” was fully prepared for his opponent’s style this time and won by unanimous decision 115–112, 116–111, and 116–111. Following this fight, Mayweather went on to fight Manny Pacquiao, Andre Berto and Conor McGregor, winning all three bouts, and retiring at 50-0 and in the eyes of many, the GOAT.