Boxing: Mayweather cries upon induction into International Hall Of Fame (photos)

Retired American boxer, Floyd Mayweather was in tears on Saturday night, June 11, after his induction into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame.

Mayweather received the honour as one of the most prestigious in a boxer’s career.

After the daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali’s comfort, the Money team CEO was lost for words.

He said, “I don’t really know what to say. I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but this is something beautiful. This is one of the best days of my life.”

“To all these champions up here. All these champions to me … they molded me to be who I am today.

“The champions from the past, I could name so many fighters, the list goes on and on. I’m so proud of these fighters. I’m not even here to talk about me, because without them, there would be no me.

“I’m happy that Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley are in the Hall of Fame. All of these legends. Bernard Hopkins and James Toney. The list goes on. Andre Ward, Laila Ali. I’m so proud of you guys.

“This isn’t just about Floyd Mayweather.”

Mayweather praised his family members, including Floyd Mayweather Sr. who helped train him, and Josie Harris, the mother of two of his children, who died two years ago.

He said, “I love my dad because if it weren’t for him, this wouldn’t be possible.

“And I said to myself, I told myself over and over, ‘When I get up here, I’m not going to cry. I’ll give a great speech, and say how proud I am of my mother, my father, my family.’

“You guys always see my dad — the best trainer. They’ll never be another trainer like my dad.

“They call [boxing] the ‘Sweet Science,’ so what my dad said, ‘You know what, son? The less punches you take, the longer you’ll be able to last in the sport of boxing.’

“I said, ‘I’ll take less punches, retire on my own terms, and make smart investments so I can live a comfortable life long after retirement’.

“Boxing is blood, sweat, and tears. Shit, I cry on a great day like this? These are tears of joy.

“My body of work is amazing. To fight guys like Shane, Manny Pacquiao, these guys are amazing, unbelievable, great champions — I love all these guys.

“When they say I can’t do something, that make me work that much harder. I push myself and push myself and push myself to be the best.”

The former world champion retired in 2017 after winning the crossover bout against UFC star Conor McGregor.