50 professional fights. Undefeated. Highest boxing pay-per-view numbers. Over $1.6 billion in revenue. Love him or hate him, Floyd Mayweather’s stats speak for themselves.
Since the early days of his boxing career, from Pretty Boy Floyd to Money Mayweather, Floyd has been one of the most polarizing and complicated figures in the sporting world. As one of the rare figures in sports who has managed to master both the skills side as well as the promotion side of the business, Floyd has certainly ruffled some weathers over the past two decades.
But if there’s one thing that everyone can agree on – whether you’re a fan or not – is that his extreme work ethic is unrivalled.
Developing a solid work ethic, obsessing over mastering your craft, staying hungry over the length of your career; there’s been a number of lessons I’ve learnt from watching Floyd Mayweather over the years.
That is what he is all about, working hard and showing that kind of extreme work ethic no one else has. He showed a lot of spirit and determination. Everyone understands what it takes to be successful but he does it better than anyone.
Floyd Mayweather eschewed a strip club at 3 a.m. to begin training for the Miguel Cotto bout | Yahoo Sports
Lessons Learnt is a series by Balance the Grind profiling individuals, brands or companies that inspire us. For more profiles, check them out here.
Lesson 1: Dedicate yourself to mastering your craft
While the widely touted “The Best Ever” title he gave himself is debatable, there’s no denying that Floyd was the most skilled boxer of his generation, bar none.
Floyd could do it all: jab you from the outside, pressure in the pocket, make it dirty in the clinch. He could lead, he could counter, he could be offensive, he could be defensive. He was a wizard in every single aspect of the sweet science.
This was the result of dedicating his life to mastering boxing and getting better every time he stepped into the ring against a new opponent.
The 2001 Floyd Mayweather who put a beating on Diego “Chico” Corrales Jr. was vastly different to the 2013 Floyd Mayweather who dominated current boxing cash king, Canelo Alvarez, but a master nonetheless.
Mayweather is one of the finest, smartest boxers we’ve ever seen, and because he works, with a drive that Kobe Bryant has called “maniacal.” He’ll wake up crying from a dream about losing and go run 10 miles to get it out of his head. His 3 a.m. runs through the streets of Las Vegas are legendary. He doesn’t drink or smoke.
How ‘Little Floyd’ Became ‘Money Mayweather’ | Bleacher Report
Lesson 2: Stay learning, never get complacent
The number one reason why boxers go downhill after reaching the top is complacency. After all the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifices over decades, when they finally get that championship belt wrapped around their waist and the million dollar payday that comes along with it, it’s hard to stay hungry.
Legendary boxer Marvin Hagler said it best: “It’s hard to get up at 6am when you’re wearing silk pyjamas.” Look at Roy Jones, look at Mike Tyson, or for a more recent example, look at Andy Ruiz Jr., who after knocking out one of boxing’s biggest superstar Anthony Joshua, lost his hunger as well as the rematch.
There are countless examples of boxers throughout history who got their first taste of success and wealth, then lost it all. This never happened to Floyd.
Not once throughout his 20+ year boxing career, 50 professional fights, regular fight purses topping $30 – $50 million, not once did Floyd get complacent. He knew exactly what it it took to stay at the top.
How would I beat me? Well, I know how I could beat myself: by not being disciplined, by slacking, by not dedicating myself to my craft, by not working hard, by not listening, by thinking I know it all—you can come up short like that.
Floyd Mayweather Jr | Interview Magazine
Lesson 3: Hard work beats talent
Over his 50 professional fights, amateur career and boxing in the Olympics, Floyd has come up against countless fighters who were more naturally talented and athletic than him. But at the end of the day, it was his hard work outside of the ring, plus his unparalleled boxing IQ inside the ring that prevailed. Every single time.
Don’t let the flashy clothes, fast cars and girls fool you when Floyd is on TV, his life revolved entirely around long jogs at 1am in the morning, endless sit-ups, sparring sessions with a line of hungry contenders, and doing everything he could to outwork the competition.
It’s where he is at his most comfortable. Right there. Inside those ropes. That’s his home. It always has been.
Roger Mayweather – Floyd Mayweather interview: ‘I want to be the greatest – but also the smartest’ | Independent
Before you go…
If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Balance the Grind, let’s talk here.
If you’d like to have a conversation with us about how you balance the grind, get in touch with us.
If you never want to miss one of our conversations about work, life & balance, subscribe to our newsletter.
This website is designed with Sitka by Solo Pine, the perfect theme for WordPress beginners and seasoned bloggers alike. From bold to airy, minimal to dramatic, Sitka does it all.
