Roger Mayweather made a name for himself inside the ring as a two-division titleholder. The “Black Mamba” was at his best as a trainer, though.
Ask his nephew, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is mourning the death of his longtime mentor Tuesday as a result of what the family said was a long battle with diabetes.
Roger Mayweather took over Floyd Jr.’s training in the late 1990s, a few years after he turned pro. And he guided his protégé to great heights, thus establishing himself as one of the top trainers in the world.
He was more than just a mentor to the undefeated “Money,” though.
“My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring,” Floyd Mayweather said in a statement. “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.”
Richard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions echoed Floyd’s sentiments.
“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,” he said. “We hope you keep Floyd and the entire Mayweather family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Floyd Mayweather Jr. was already in mourning for his the mother of three of his children, Josie Harris, who was found dead in her car on March 10 in Valencia, California, a suburb of Los Angeles.