Floyd Mayweather's undefeated record doesn't sit well with everyone. Bob Arum, the veteran Top Rank promoter, claims Mayweather actually lost a fight back in April 2002 against Jose Luis Castillo.
Arum, who guided Mayweather through much of his early career, made this bold statement in a recent interview with ESPN. He called the decision in that fight "a travesty of scoring."
The fight in question pitted Mayweather against Mexican fighter Jose Luis Castillo. According to Arum, the evidence was clear. Harold Lederman, a respected boxing judge, scored the fight 116-111 for Castillo. The punch stats also favored the Mexican fighter.
Arum recalled his actions after the fight:
"I got in the ring and went to Mayweather's corner. I commiserated with them. I told them that one loss wouldn't destroy their career."
The promoter said Mayweather's team thought they'd lost too. But when the official scores came in, all three judges had it for Mayweather: 116-111, 115-111, and 115-111.
"The judges not only found for Mayweather unanimously, they scored it as if it wasn't even close. What kind of absurd scoring is that?"Arum criticized.
The crowd wasn't happy either. They started booing when the decision was announced. Mayweather himself seemed upset with his performance and immediately agreed to a rematch.
Arum's final assessment was clear:
"Castillo won that fight, eight rounds to four — no question."
It's worth noting that Arum isn't alone in this opinion. Many big names in boxing have gone on record saying 'Money' Mayweather should have lost that night.
Eight months after this controversial bout, Mayweather and Castillo had a rematch. This time, Mayweather won on the cards without any controversy.
Despite this blip, Mayweather went on to have an incredible career. He retired with a perfect 50-0 record and won world titles from super-featherweight all the way up to super-welterweight. His list of victories includes names like Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and Canelo Alvarez.
But for Arum and others, that '0' in Mayweather's loss column will always have an asterisk next to it.
You can read more about Arum's thoughts on contentious cards in boxing in his interview with ESPN.
