Roger Mayweather, former world boxing champion and uncle and trainer to Floyd, has died aged 58.
He was a two-weight world champion in stellar 72-fight career that spanned 17 years.
He then became the trainer to his nephew Floyd Mayweather who famously built himself into boxing’s top attraction and its pound-for-pound best fighter during the 2010s.
Floyd, in recent years, had addressed his uncle Roger’s poor health.
Roger’s passing comes a week after the death of Josie Harris, mother to three of Floyd Mayweather’s children.
Mayweather Jr released the following statement through Mayweather Promotions, saying:
“My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring. Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing. Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace.
“Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr., my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world. It is a terrible loss for all of us.”
“This is a sad day for the Mayweather Promotions family because that is truly what Roger was to us,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions who worked side-by-side with Roger for some of Floyd’s biggest fights.
“On top of being a phenomenal fighter in his own career, Roger was one of the most essential parts of guiding Floyd to the incredible career he had in becoming the best ever. We hope you keep Floyd and the entire Mayweather family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
“We are thankful for all the love and well-wishes we have already received as word travelled about Roger’s passing,” said Mayweather.
“It helps me to see that he was able to touch so many people through his life in boxing, because he gave so much to the sport which was his first and longtime love.”
Nicknamed ‘the Black Mamba’ Roger Mayweather became a professional boxer alongside his brothers Floyd Senior and Jeff.
He was by far the most successful of the trio, and won world titles at super-featherweight and light-welterweight.
Roger then became a key part of his nephew Floyd’s rise. Roger trained him for his debut although he was briefly replaced when Floyd Sr was released from prison and took control of his son’s career.
From 2000 onwards Roger was in the corner for 20 consecutive fights with Floyd, including his famous battles with Arturo Gatti, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
But Roger was struggling with diabetes in 2016 and was again replaced as Floyd’s trainer by the boxer’s father.
Source: skysports.com