**Floyd Mayweather Didn’t Hesitate Before Naming Best Boxer He Has Ever Faced, And It’s Not Oscar De La Hoya**

Floyd Mayweather, one of the greatest boxers of all time, has faced a multitude of elite fighters throughout his illustrious career. However, when asked about the best boxer he has ever fought, Mayweather’s answer came quickly—and surprisingly, it wasn’t Oscar De La Hoya, who many assumed might top the list.

Throughout his undefeated career, Mayweather has taken on legends like Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, and Canelo Álvarez, making his choice all the more intriguing. While many fans and pundits speculated about who Mayweather might regard as his toughest opponent, he revealed that the best boxer he ever faced was *Emanuel Augustus*, not De La Hoya, despite their highly publicized and intense 2007 bout.

Mayweather’s fight against Augustus took place in 2000, early in his career, during a match that seemed, on paper, to be a straightforward win for “Money” Mayweather. But Augustus, known for his unorthodox style and unpredictable movements, proved to be a more challenging opponent than expected. Mayweather has since said that the fight with Augustus was one of the toughest of his career, praising the boxer for his unique style and resilience inside the ring.

De La Hoya, on the other hand, was widely considered a more iconic opponent due to his stature in the sport and the hype surrounding their fight. Their bout was one of the highest-grossing boxing matches at the time, but Mayweather defeated De La Hoya via split decision, cementing his legacy as the superior fighter between the two.

Despite the big names Mayweather defeated, his choice to highlight Augustus reflects his deep respect for fighters who brought a distinct challenge to his game. Augustus, who never reached the same level of stardom as De La Hoya, Pacquiao, or Canelo, remains an underrated but respected figure in boxing history.

Floyd Mayweather’s comment on Augustus shows how the sport’s legends don’t just value fame or legacy but recognize true skill, even when it comes from unlikely sources. This acknowledgment reminds fans that boxing isn’t just about the big names—it’s about the heart and talent of every fighter who steps into the ring.

Mayweather’s undefeated career stands as a testament to his skill, strategy, and ability to adapt to a wide range of opponents. Still, his admission about Augustus highlights that, even for the best, some fights leave a lasting impression that go beyond fame or fortune.