After a long battle with diabetes, Roger Mayweather, has passed away. The former world boxing champion and legendary trainer of his nephew Floyd Mayweather was 58 years old.
“My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring,” said Mayweather via press lease from Mayweather Promotions. ‘”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, a Grand Rapids native was a two-division world champion winning the WBA and Lineal super-featherweight world and WBC light-welterweight in 1983 and 1987, respectfully. During his career — which was nearly 20 years — he won 59 matches of the 72 bouts he fought in. A couple of his biggest fights were against Julion Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker.
Once news broke of his death, Chavez took to social media to give his condolences:
“An opponent in the ring, a great friend, coach and person outside of it. I regret the loss of one of boxing’s greats. I will always have it in my heart,” shared Chavez.
Roger initially started training Floyd in 1996 before his brother, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was released from prison and took over. However, he did return to help with the training of his nephew from 2000-2012.
He helped Floyd to an illustrious, unblemished record of 50-0.
“This is a sad day for the Mayweather Promotions family because that is truly what Roger was to us,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions who worked side-by-side with Roger for some of Floyd’s biggest fights. “On top of being a phenomenal fighter in his own career, Roger was one of the most essential parts of guiding Floyd to the incredible career he had in becoming the best ever. We hope you keep Floyd and the entire Mayweather family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
“We are thankful for all the love and well-wishes we have already received as word traveled about Roger’s passing,” said Floyd Mayweather. “It helps me to see that he was able to touch so many people through his life in boxing because he gave so much to the sport which was his first and longtime love.”
