Floyd Mayweather Talks Ronda Rousey, Oscar De La Hoya, Adrien Broner, More

Retired boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. has suggested MMA star Ronda Rousey may have been overhyped by the media in the build-up to her devastating loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193.

Speaking on The Whoolywood Shuffle to DJ Whoo Kid (h/t Uproxx), the American fighting icon, who retired earlier this year with an immaculate 49-fight winning record, also touched upon recent criticism from former opponent Oscar De La Hoya, his plans for the future and current world champion Adrien Broner. 

Mayweather said of Rousey: “I think Ronda Rousey, before she lost the fight, she was 11-0 or 12-0. I don’t really know, I think it was the media. You know, sometimes the people around you can gas you up and be a bad influence.”

Mayweather then added he doesn’t “have anything negative to say about Ronda Rousey. I commend her for going out there and doing what she did in MMA.”

Here’s a listen to the interview in full:

Rousey was a huge favourite before taking to the Octagon against Holm in Melbourne, Australia, but was undone by a shrewd game plan and outstanding striking from the former world champion boxer.

Naturally, the reaction was huge from all corners of the world's media when Rousey lost, with many taking extreme standpoints.

Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Money doesn’t seem to buy into that hyperbole, as evidenced by the previous quotes. Neither does Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Adam Hill, who was in reflective mood after Rousey suffered the first loss of her career:

In addition, Mayweather had praise for Holm, who he recently shared pleasantries with on social media.

Another figure Mayweather has had his fair share of spats with down the years is De La Hoya. The two famously met in one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history back in 2007, which ended in a split-decision win for Money.

The Golden Boy recently penned a letter in Playboy magazine, in which he criticised Mayweather repeatedly in the wake of his retirement. 

Skip Bayless of ESPN feels as though De La Hoya made plenty of salient points against the retired fighter:

Money’s retort was typically snappy when DJ Whoo Kid quizzed him on the criticism, insisting he wishes De La Hoya “nothing but the best.” However, he couldn’t resist taking a bit of a shot: “I’m just saying the reason he’s probably going after me it could be because of the drugs, because of the jealousy. That comes with the territory…jealousy comes with the territory. I understand.”

Mayweather seemed to be referring to De La Hoya’s struggle with drugs and alcohol, which he has spoken publicly about previously.

Al Bello/Getty Images

The former boxer also discussed how his work as a promoter is going and provided an update on one of his fighters, Ashley Theophane.

The British boxer, with a career record of 39 wins, six losses and a draw from 46 fights, has won his last six bouts in succession and, according to Mayweather, will get a shot at WBA super lightweight champion Broner next.

“My fighter Ashley (Theophane) is from the UK…him and Adrien Broner is fighting in Atlanta,” confirmed Mayweather. “We doing a big show in ATL at the end of January. Ashley and Adrien will be fighting for the title.”

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Mayweather also revealed he is not thinking about a 50th fight for the moment, with real estate and promotion taking up a lot of his time.

Nevertheless, his continued involvement in the sport as a promoter will lead to plenty asking questions about a return and potentially surpassing the 49-0 mark, a record which he currently shares with Rocky Marciano.

Rousey’s loss goes some way to putting Mayweather’s record into context too. In a sport where one slip can make a massive difference, to be so consistent over so many years against so many different fighters is a testament to Money’s hard work and natural ability.

With that in mind, you suspect he’d have to think very carefully before committing to a return.