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Floyd Mayweather wins his pro boxing debut by knockout in 1996 | ESPN Archive

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. knocks out Roberto Apodaca in the second round of his professional boxing debut on October 11, 1996 at the Texas Station Gaming Hall.

What is Mayweather’s legacy in the sport of boxing and how does his career compare to other legendary boxers?

Floyd Mayweather is often regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Over the course of his career, he has amassed numerous accolades and records that are unlikely to be replicated anytime soon. However, it all started on October 11, 1996, when a young Mayweather made his professional debut against fellow newcomer Roberto Apodaca.

The fight took place at the Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was televised on the Spanish-language network, Telemundo. Mayweather, who was just 19 years old at the time, had already established himself as a promising amateur fighter, having won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Despite his lack of professional experience, Mayweather entered the ring with confidence and poise. He quickly took control of the fight, expertly using his speed and footwork to evade Apodaca’s punches and land his own. Towards the end of the first round, Mayweather landed a devastating right hand that sent Apodaca to the canvas. The referee immediately stopped the fight, awarding Mayweather a first-round knockout victory.

The victory was an impressive start to Mayweather’s professional career and set the stage for what was to come. Over the next two decades, he would go on to win 50 more fights, including 27 by knockout. He held multiple world titles and was named ‘Fighter of the Decade’ by the Boxing Writers Association of America in the 2010s.

In retrospect, Mayweather’s debut victory over Apodaca was just a small piece of his larger legacy in the sport of boxing. However, it was a triumphant moment that showcased his natural talent and helped to establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. The fight is still remembered fondly by boxing fans and is a reminder of the incredible career that Mayweather has had.

In conclusion, Floyd Mayweather’s professional debut in 1996 was a turning point in his career. The first-round knockout victory over Roberto Apodaca marked the beginning of a legendary career in boxing. Mayweather’s incredible talent and work ethic have paid off, leading him to become a global icon in the sport. His legacy is one of the greatest ever in boxing history.