Roger Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather’s uncle and trainer, died Tuesday after a long-standing illness and diabetic complications at the age of 58.
He was part of the boxing’s most famous family as the uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the brother of former pro-fighters and trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Jeff Mayweather.
Floyd Jr. said in a statement, “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,” he added. “Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace.”
Floyd continued. “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.”
“We are thankful for all the love and well-wishes we have already received as word traveled about Roger’s passing. 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.”
Roger boxed professionally between 1981 and 1999, winning world titles as a junior lightweight and junior welterweight.
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said, “This is a sad day for the Mayweather Promotions family because that is truly what Roger was to us.”
“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,” Ellerbe added. “We hope you keep Floyd and the entire Mayweather family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Jessie Vargas, whom Roger used to train, said, “He [Roger] wasn’t doing very well over the last couple of years. I think it started back in 2010, 2011. That’s when it was becoming obvious [that his health] was getting worse and worse. It was just tough for him to get over it.”
“Over the years it became more difficult for him,” he added. “The last time I saw him, it must’ve been about six months ago. He wasn’t really visiting the gym as often because of his illness.”
Roger was a two-weight world champion. He was called the “Black Mamba,” who won his first world title in 1983.
