Amid the ongoing doom and gloom of the current Coronavirus some very, very sad news has reached the boxing world today.
One of the sport’s great trainers, characters and fighters has sadly passed away following a prolonged period of health problems.
Roger the ‘Black Mamba’ Mayweather after a long battle with different health problems has passed away.
Aged 58.
The uncle and long time trainer to all-time great Floyd Mayweather had an outstanding career himself in the ring.
Before going on to train Floyd to greatness based out of Las Vegas, Roger himself was a two-weight world champion.
The Grand Rapids, Michigan native compiled a professional record of 59-13-35 KO.
Fighting some of the best names of his era. Never shying away from fighting the best.
A fearless fighter with the heart of a lion.
Here is some of the reaction to the tragic news today:
Very sad news. Gutted.
I can remember the first time I was at the Mayweather Gym almost a decade ago.
Back in 2011 before the Mayweather vs Ortiz fight.
Roger Mayweather gave me one of his boxing quizzes at the time.
To which I got two out of four of his questions correct.
After getting the first two wrong, I can remember feeling the pressure big time to get the last two right to save grace.
He delivered the questions and reactions to my answers in typically candid fashion but with his own uniquely humorous way too.
A great bit of fun for those that were there at the time.
Obliging afterwards to a young Irish fella on his travels in the States with a picture and a chat.
I recall he had a lot of respect for Irish boxer Steve Collins from Dublin.
In subsequent visits to the gym in years gone, since getting involved in boxing after that, I always remember Roger fondly as a very friendly, good humored and kind man.
He loved training and away from training world champions and his world famous nephew he loved training the young fighters.
Passing on his knowledge to the next generation of kids.
To this day, as an Irish chap in America on one of my first times in the country, I’ll never forget his sentiment ‘that boy knew his boxing’.
Still up there as one of the best compliments I ever got in life.
One of boxing’s real, genuine people.
As good a boxing historian as they come too.
In truth — a guy who forgot more about boxing than most will ever know.
Undoubtedly one of boxing’s great trainers and fighters who will never, ever be forgotten.
Thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to the Mayweather family and all Roger’s friends and loved ones.
Rest easy champ.
