Floyd Mayweather has revisited one of boxing’s most memorable rivalries and made clear that time has not changed his feelings.
Asked to identify the opponent he disliked most during his career, the undefeated former champion gave a blunt response.
“Oscar De La Hoya.”
The remark shines fresh light on a feud that helped define the sport in the mid-2000s, both inside the ring and in the business battles that followed.
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A rivalry that shaped an era
Mayweather and De La Hoya met on 5 May 2007 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in what was billed as one of boxing’s biggest events of the decade.
At the time, De La Hoya was already an established superstar and six-division world champion with major crossover appeal. Mayweather, meanwhile, was ascending toward the peak of his powers and pushing to be recognized as the sport’s pound-for-pound best.
The fight went the distance and ended in a split decision in Mayweather’s favor. The scoring sparked debate, but many observers credited his defensive precision and counter-punching for making the difference over 12 rounds.
Beyond the result, the event proved transformative financially. It became one of the highest-grossing pay-per-view fights in boxing history at the time, reinforcing both men’s drawing power and accelerating Mayweather’s evolution into the sport’s premier commercial attraction.
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Their competitive tension extended well past fight night. De La Hoya’s polished “Golden Boy” image contrasted sharply with Mayweather’s unapologetic “Money” persona. In later years, both launched promotional companies — Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions — turning personal rivalry into business competition.
Career reflections
Now 48, Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record following his stoppage win over UFC star Conor McGregor in Nevada. His professional journey began in October 1996 with a knockout victory over Roberto Apodaca, the first step in a career that would span more than two decades.
During that time, the Michigan native captured world titles in five weight divisions and was named the Boxing Writers’ Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2010s.
When asked which victories brought him the most satisfaction, Mayweather highlighted two in particular.
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“There are two fighters. Ricky Hatton and the Manny Pacquiao fight.”
Both bouts were landmark events, with the long-anticipated 2015 showdown against Pacquiao standing as one of the most commercially successful contests in boxing history.
Exhibition plans continue
Although he stepped away from sanctioned professional competition nearly a decade ago, Mayweather has continued to participate in exhibition contests.
In 2021, he faced social media personality Logan Paul in a high-profile showcase. He is scheduled to return to the ring in June for an exhibition bout in Athens against Greek kickboxing figure Mike Zambidis.
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There has also been ongoing speculation about a potential exhibition matchup with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson before the end of 2026, though no formal announcement has been made.
Sources: Boxing Writers’ Association of America; historical fight records; public comments by Floyd Mayweather.
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