Johnny Nelson reckons Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather jr will have to wait to be recognised as an all-time great.
Fans can quiz Mayweather about his career in Leicester, London and Liverpool next month and Nelson will host the shows, promoted by Shane Whitfield’s Kong Events.
Mayweather retired two years ago after equalling Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record and according to Nelson, he will be held in higher regard by historians than he is by his peers.
“We don’t give Floyd the credit he deserves,” said the former WBO cruiserweight champion and Sky Sports presenter.
“But history tells us, that’s the way it’s always been.
“Muhammad Ali was hated and at times during their careers, so were Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Robinson.
“But they were all history makers in our sport, just like Floyd.
“People are fickle.
“They should forget what they read about his personality, just look at his record and say: ‘Wow !’ because in years to come, people will look back at his record and achievements and will rate him among the best fighters ever.
“Regardless of the publicity he gets, he has to be up there with the best fighters ever.
“I definitely put him in the top 10 of all time, without a doubt.
“To put him there is a big shout, but only a few fighters have done what he’s done.
“Mayweather proved he was the best at his weight – and then he went up the divisions and beat good calibre opponents.
“He is a history maker – and they are the fighters who make boxing what it is.”
Tickets for the show, priced between £40 and £300, are available from www.kkongevents.co.uk
Floyd Mayweather jr has been hailed as the best fighter in history ahead of his forthcoming UK tour
Mayweather has three dates lined up in March – starting in Leicester – and according to Brendan Ingle, that gives fans the chance to meet the greatest pound-for-pound fight of them all.
Ingle has produced four world champions – Prince Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson, Junior Witter and Kell Brook – since opening the doors of his gym in Sheffield more than half a century ago.
He said: “I’ve seen them all – Muhammad Ali and everyone – and the best I have ever seen is Floyd Mayweather jnr.
“I’ve never seen anyone as good as him. What he did was unbelievable.”
Mayweather won all 49 fights before retiring in 2015, but according to Shane Whitfield, whose Kong Events promote the UK tour, he will fight again.
Whitfield said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he announces he’s fighting again in September – or maybe next May.”
Fans will get the chance to put their questions to Mayweather in Leicester, London and Liverpool in March.
The shows will be hosted by Johnny Nelson, the former world cruiserweight champion and host of Sky Sports’ boxing coverage, and tickets range from £40 to £300.
Tickets are available from www.kkongevents.co.uk