Floyd's Big 5: Battle of the Invincibles

Floyd's Big 5: Battle of the Invincibles

On May 5, 2007, Floyd Mayweather defeated Oscar de la Oya in one of his most exciting bouts in the professional ring. After the meeting with his compatriot, a rumor is spreading in the public that Floyd will give up professional sports after his 38 consecutive victories without defeat. Nothing of the kind! A duel between the American millionaire and the Great Britain Ricky Hatton has been announced for the end of the year. Traditionally, for Mayweather, the new opponent also means a new change of categories. This time it has to do with shedding pounds and moving into the welterweight division.

At the time, the 30-year-old American faced Hatton, a year younger. The Manchester Mexican is perfect in the pro ring. In 43 matches, the Briton has 43 victories and a solid 31 knockouts for his category. Every one of Ricky's last 26 fights has had a championship charge and stake.

Already in the opening round, Hatton found the opponent with a wonderful left straight, which apparently seriously shook Mayweather. Soon the American boxer regains control of the match and in the 3rd round his opponent is bleeding. A combination of his opponent's punches and fatigue allowed Floyd to take Hatton to the ground in the 10th round. He gets up, but pretty soon the match is over. Mayweather wins his 39th consecutive victory, and this is his first knockout in more than 2 years.

After the meeting, the amateur bronze medalist from Atlanta 96 is categorical - Ricky Hatton is one of the most difficult and "stubborn" rivals of his career. And in another world, it probably would have been his last. Floyd announces his retirement from the professional ring to focus on his promotional duties. Mayweather himself has identified his worthy British rival as the number one target for his debut client. Anyway, a year and a half later, the champion returned to the ring for 11 more matches. He wins all of them.

.