Jump directly to the content
Revealed
RUSH DECISION

Eddie Hearn names boxing ‘Mount Rushmore’ with Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson… but no room for Floyd Mayweather

EDDIE HEARN has named his 'Mount Rushmore' of boxing - but left out Floyd Mayweather.

The iconic American National Memorial sculpture in South Dakota features the carved heads of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Promoter Eddie Hearn named his 'Mount Rushmore' of boxing
8
Promoter Eddie Hearn named his 'Mount Rushmore' of boxingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Floyd Mayweather was left off of Hearn's list
8
Floyd Mayweather was left off of Hearn's list Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Promoter Hearn was asked which past or present legends of the last 40 to 50 years deserve the recognition to be put on boxing's own Rushmore.

And he picked Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Pernell Whitaker.

But speaking to , Hearn explained why he left 50-0 Mayweather off the list.

He said: "Legends evolve over time.

"When you look at the weight divisions that Manny Pacquiao has won world championships in, you have to say Pacquiao should be on a list like that.

"But for me, I don't look at Floyd Mayweather as a historic fighter.

"One day we'll look back on Mayweather as a great, but he's got to be a little bit careful. To retire with dignity is a wonderful thing.

"To retire undefeated is amazing, but to do it with dignity and class is special. But he loves a pound note."

The iconic American National Memorial sculpture in South Dakota features the carved heads of former presidents
8
The iconic American National Memorial sculpture in South Dakota features the carved heads of former presidentsCredit: AP:Associated Press
Mayweather retired as a pro after beating Conor McGregor
8
Mayweather retired as a pro after beating Conor McGregor Credit: USA Today Sports

Mayweather hung up the gloves as a professional in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor.

But he returned a year later to face featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, in an exhibition bout in Japan that lasted one round.

Mayweather, 43, has even teased another comeback this year, whereas Ali, Tyson, Leonard and Whitaker have all cemented their legacies.

Ali - considered The Greatest - reigned as heavyweight champion three times and shared some of the greatest rivalries in boxing history.

He died in 2016 at the age of 74, leaving behind a great legacy outside the ring.

Sugar Ray is also celebrated for his historic match-ups, against Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns.

Muhammad Ali reigned as heavyweight champion three times
8
Muhammad Ali reigned as heavyweight champion three timesCredit: Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be publish
Sugar Ray Leonard possessed lightening quick hands which helped him win titles in five weight classes
8
Sugar Ray Leonard possessed lightening quick hands which helped him win titles in five weight classesCredit: Getty - Contributor

Leonard, now 64, possessed lightening quick hands which helped him win titles in five weight classes.

Like Mayweather, Whitaker was remembered for his masterful defence and elusive counter-punching style.

The four-division champion - who also spent time as a trainer -

Tyson, 54, is now the only one of Hearn's four selections still fighting, after he announced a comeback to face Roy Jones Jr, 51, this year.

Read More on The Sun

Iron Mike retired in 2005, following an up and down career.

He is one of the most famed punchers in history and became the youngest heavyweight champ of all time aged 20.

Pernell Whitaker was remembered for his masterful defence and elusive counter-punching style
8
Pernell Whitaker was remembered for his masterful defence and elusive counter-punching styleCredit: Getty - Contributor
Mike Tyson is the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged 20
8
Mike Tyson is the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged 20 Credit: Getty - Contributor
Gervonta Davis vs Leo Santa Cruz - UK start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard and head-to-head
Topics