Floyd Mayweather: 30 Best Boxing Photos of 2011

As the year draws to a close, we'll take a look at some of the best boxing photos of 2011—from the good, the bad and even the downright ugly.

Every fight has a story to tell in its own inimitable way, but more often than not, a picture paints a thousand words.

The main photo of Floyd Mayweather aloft the shoulders of Leonard Ellerbe and surrounded by his crew, with 50 Cent looking on, per se, beautifully captures the moment ensuing his fourth round knockout of Victor Ortiz.

Add, however, the paparazzi lurking in the background whilst "Money May" points towards the camera's as if to say, "I'm true No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world" then the photo is pure genius.

So, let's take a look at some of the best picturesque moments that boxing had to offer in 2011.

30. Eyesore

My apologies for beginning the slide show with the grotesque hematoma like eye of Pawel Wolak, but I promise that the slides get better.

There’s both a beauty and ugliness to this photo—no need to explain the ugly side, it’s staring right back at cha.

The beauteous side, however, is the precision and accuracy of punches delivered by Delvin Rodriguez to inflict a weal of that proportion on the “Raging Bulls” eye.

Still, contrary to what some might think, Wolak didn’t end on the losing side, he earned himself a majority draw.

Nevertheless, it has to be said, that the sweet science is both brutal and yet poetically sublime.

29. Floyd Mayweather’s Left-Right Salvo

Mayweather’s left-right combo, was commensurate with Victor Ortiz’ blatant head butt earlier on in round four of their championship bout.

After profusely apologizing to Money for the rush of blood to his head (add in incessant hugging to the equation), Joe Cortez called time, and that’s when it happened.

As Money so aptly put it,

“In the ring, you have to protect yourself at all times.”

Sadly for Ortiz, he failed to adhere to one of boxings golden rules and paid dearly for it—he lost his WBC welterweight crown as well.

28. Victor Ortiz on the Seat of His Pants

Victor “Vicious” Ortiz has that perplexed expression on his visage—“what the hell happened?”

Simple, he forgot the “protect yourself at all times” boxing mantra, that’s what happened.

Also, it must’ve slipped his mind, that flagrant head butting in professional boxing doesn’t go unpunished.

Well, in the realm of “Money May” it doesn’t.

27. Bernard Hopkins Has Got Height

From the start of their championship bout it was quite obvious to the viewing public that Chad “Bad” Dawson not only had B-Hop to contend with, but he also had to deal with the towering physique of “The Executioner.”

I’ll put my money on it, hell, I’ll even put my house on it—in this photo, B-Hop is 7’ foot-plus.

A photo never lies.

26. Was Bernard Hopkins Really Injured?

The “Executioner” grimaces in pain after being thrown to the canvass by Chad Dawson.

B-Hop lost the bout via TKO, with his WBC light heavyweight title in tow. The match was later ruled a no-contest and both fighters are now set to throw leather sometime in the not too distant future.

The question, was B-Hop faking that shoulder injury?

We’ll let the photo be the judge and jury.

If found guilty as charged, should his moniker be the perfect punitive action taken against the ex-con?

Just kidding.

25. Manny Pacquiao before His Trilogy Fight with Juan Manuel Márquez

The Pac-Man got down on his knees and prayed, that this time, the boxing gods would look favorably upon him, in his quest to finally lay to rest his bogeyman “Dinamita.”

Sadly his prayers fell on deaf ears, as for the third time he was left with that bitter after taste of a controversial decision.

With that said, if he’s ever to upend the Mexican warrior, he’ll need to pray to a higher being.

24. 50 Was Supposed to Be Wladimir Klitschko’s Magic Number

The Ukrainian heavyweight multi-titlist shows his palm to the unfazed David Haye, it safe to say that the number 50 was meant to indicate that the “Hayemaker” would be “Dr. Steelhammer’s” 50th KO victim, given that he’d knocked out 49 of his previous opponents.

Haye, however, minus his WBA heavyweight title, was still standing at the end of the bout as Klitschko failed to deliver on his promise.

Still, the same could be said of Haye—he talked a good fight, but disappointed on a grand scale.

23. Timothy Bradley is Jacked

The WBO light welterweight champion has got that ripped effect going on in this photo.

The washboard stomach has become the hallmark of most boxers who are willing to go that extra mile for that sculptured physique look.

“Desert Storm” most definitely pulls it off—in true essence, he’s jacked to the max.

He also gives the impression that he's got a whole lot of swagger to boot.

22. Amir Khan Loses World Titles

“King” Khan holds his head in disbelief as if to say “No they didn’t,” after Lamont Peterson relieved him of both his WBA and IBF light welterweight titles.

Sometimes common sense will prevail, if only adhered to—Khan was deducted a point for pushing, for some reason that didn’t register, hence a second points deduction for said offense.

The two points deducted ultimately cost him his crowns, and when all is said and done, Khan has only himself to blame.

21. Nonito Donaire vs. Fernando Montiel

“The Filipino Flash” as portrayed in the photo, was elevated to a three-division world titlist via a second round TKO of then bantamweight champion (Montiel’s WBC and WBO belts were on the line) Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, who is seen sprawled on the canvas.

Though Montiel beat the count, the switch-hitting Donaire forced the referee to call a halt to the bout after a series of combinations which rocked the Mexican.

20. Brandon Ríos vs. Urbano Antillón

In July of 2011, Brandon “Bam Bam” Ríos put his WBA lightweight title on the line against Urbano Antillón.

The Top Rank fighter, however, successfully defended his title via TKO in the third round.

Still, the photo denotes a swinging motion from Rios—as far as I’m aware of, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva plies his craft as a mixed martial artist in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

19. It’s Time to Hang ‘Em Up

This photo is synonymous with the idiom “how the mighty have fallen.”

The once indomitable Roy Jones Jr. is just a fleeting memory to those of the hardcore persuasion.

Jones Jr. has been on a downward spiral ever since his TKO loss to Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver more than six-years ago.

The four-division world titlist has become a shell of his former self—suffering concussive KOs to the likes of Glen Johnson, Danny Green and Denis Lebedev.

"Journey man and who are the double d's?" comes to mind.

The latter delivering Jones’ most recent comatose like KO (the one depicted in the photo).

The aforementioned trio of fighters couldn’t lace Jones’ boots in his prime, not even if he asked them to.

Still, it’s a shame that he’s become cannon-fodder for those fighters seeking to make a name for themselves.

With that said, it’s his choice, and if he thinks he's still got it going on after his most recent win against Max Alexander, then he definitely needs his head examined—literally.

The bottom line is this: Jones is now a washed up fighter—it’s time Jones hung up them gloves.

18. Andre Ward Is the “S.O.G”

Andre Ward shows what can be achieved through dedication and hard work—the Super-Six Finale trophy, The Ring Super middleweight title and Carl "The Cobra" Froch's WBC belt to boot.

With the trophy and a trio of titles (his WBA belt included) strapped around his waist, Ward can truly call himself the "Son of God."

17. Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk Down and out for the Count

The WBO super middleweight titlist suffered five knockdowns at the hands of middleweight champ Sergio Martinez.

Dzinziruk lost via TKO in the eighth round.

The photo illustrates what the effect a knockout has, on someone fighting above their weight.

Still, the blame lies at the feet of “Maravilla.”

16. Lamont Peterson: From Gutter to Glory

Lamont Peterson shows the scars of war, in his triumphant victory over Amir Khan to capture both the WBA and IBF light welterweight titles in December of this year.

Peterson, who was once homeless and living on the streets of Washington, is a shining example of how one can go from nothing to something.

15. Wild Thing, I Think I Need an OSDT

After winning his trilogy battle with Juan Manuel Marquez, a feral-like beast emanates from the characteristically demure Pacquiao.

The gritted teeth and the barbarous look, suggests that Olympic-style drug testing might be just what the doctor needs to order for the Pac-Man.

14. Victor Ortiz Head Butt

This was the head butt that began the debate of unsportsmanlike behavior from Floyd Mayweather.

When Mayweather retaliated, it was deemed a cheap shot.

I wonder who would’ve behaved differently in a similar situation?

Apparently, Ortiz’s head butt was intended to break Mayweather’s nose.

13. “You Wanna Play Rough?”

Whilst Victor “ Vicious” Ortiz looks on dazed, Floyd Mayweather retreats to a neutral corner with the demeanor of Stan lee’s comic hero Hulk (without the chest beating).

To take a line from Brian De Palma’s film classic, Scarface: [...] “You wanna play games? Okay, I play with you; come on. Okay. You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend!!”

And that’s exactly what Mayweather did, courtesy of a left-right salvo, after being the recipient of a blatant head butt from the Vicious one.

12. Mike Lee and the Flying Gum Shield

Top light heavyweight prospect and Top Rank fighter (beware of Bob Arum), not only sent Pablo Gomez’s gum shield flying, but sent Gomez to the canvas as well, en route to a first round knockout earlier this year.

11. James Kirkland is the Man

In an improbable come-from-behind victory, James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland, upended Mexican favorite Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo in their WBC light middleweight title eliminator.

Kirkland’s face said it all—“count me out at your peril.”

10. Antonio Margarito’s Downfall

Revenge is a dish best served cold, which Miguel Cotto served in brutal vengeance-esque fashion on Dec. 3 of 2011.

Prior to their rematch, Margarito had allegedly been caught attempting to use “Plaster of Paris” wraps before his scheduled match with Shane Mosley.

Needless to say, he lost.

This, however, brought into question the manner in which he upended Cotto in their first fight.

Still, whether Margarito was guilty of using said wraps or not, to “Junito,” he was guilty as charged, and nothing would suffice until he avenged his first ever loss in 32 fights.

The eye on display was first decimated by Manny Pacquiao, whilst Cotto administered the final rites.

Even though his trainer Robert Garcia yells words of encouragement, his charge at that time was already a broken man.

9. Joe Cortez vs. Victor Ortiz

Looking at the photo, some might say that world renowned referee Joe Cortez is indicating to the judges that Ortiz used his head as a lethal weapon in his championship clash with Floyd Mayweather in September of this year.

I, however, have an altogether different take on the matter.

Cortez was sucker head butted by Ortiz.

Now that makes two suckers—Ortiz for losing his composure and Cortez for his interminable atrocious officiating.

Some might also say that Mayweather deserves to be on this list, well, Money May recently got sucker punched by a judge in to serving a three-month stretch in a county jail.

8. Floyd Mayweather’s Left hook

This striking tableaux of Mayweather landing a left-hook, and the distorted face of Victor Ortiz, illustrates the devastating power that can emanate from the fists of a pugilist.

7. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Two completely contrasting expressions—one calm and composed, the other animated and threatening violence.

The 40-year old Joel Casamayor let the press junket get the better of him, and totally disregarded the code of the streets or in this case boxing.

The code being bad boys are always silent, but sometimes they can be violent, as “El Cepillo” found to his cost, when Timothy Bradley defeated him via TKO in the eighth round of their title bout to retain his WBO light welterweight belt, back in November of 2011.

6. The Squashed Nose Effect

Mexican fighter Christian Esquivel was on the wrong side of Japanese pugilist, Shinsuke Yamanaka twice.

Once from this compressed hooter punch, and secondly from the TKO loss Yamanaka handed him, en route to capturing the vacant WBC bantamweight title in November of this year.

Still, if there’s any consolation for “Italiano,” it’s that in real life his grill looks nothing like what the photo depicts.

See the real Esquivel here.

5. Manny Pacquiao Wishing on a Star

The Pac-Man looks possessed as he smiles wildly at the prone body of Juan Manuel Márquez in their trilogy match...as if.

Pacquiao’s mind was playing the cruelest of tricks on him.

Still, three fights, and hitherto the Filipino congressman can’t seem to get that monkey off his back.

Pacquiao should fret not, his main rival “Money May” will be on lockdown soon, so there’s hope yet for a fourth and final encounter with “Dinamita.”

4. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

A great photo with various expressions—the good wears a scowl, the bad smiles sinisterly and the ugly grins with shades covering an even shadier past.

Metaphorically speaking that is.

The good guy eventually got his revenge.

The bad guy, well, he still remains just that for a number of reasons, but more specifically, for being the stumbling block to the greatest boxing event of this era.

The ugly—karma came around full circle and hit him numerous times where it hurt, and almost blinded him.

From L-R: Miguel “Junito” Cotto, Bob “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will happen over my dead body” Arum (CEO of Top Rank) and Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito.

3. Bernard Hopkins Demonstrates That Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number

En route to becoming the world’s oldest prize fighting champion (at the ripe old age of 46), B-Hop decided to deride his much younger opponent Jean Pascal (28), by demonstrating that he could go the whole 12 rounds if need be (which it did), hence his performing press-ups before the seventh round commenced.

That night, B-Hop captured the WBC, IBO and The Ring light heavyweight titles.

2. The 2011 Boxing Hall of Famers

Those Flashing Bling Rings are the envy of a million mortals.

Boxings class of 2011 almost got the copyrights to the No. 1 slot, but…

From L-R:

Ignacio “Nacho” Beristáin

The 72-year-old Nacho, is regarded as one of the greatest trainers in boxing history, and has trained almost 20 world champions including three current Hall of Fame members.

Some of his most distinguished students: Oscar “The Golden Boy” De La Hoya, Juan “Dinamita” Manuel Márquez, Ricardo “El Finito” López, Daniel “The Mouse” Zaragoza, Humberto “Chiquita” González, Jorge “El Travieso” Arce and Jorge “El Maromero” Páez.

Julio “J.C” César Chávez

Chavez is a three-division world titlist and a six-time world champion.

Amazingly, J.C won 90 fights on the trot before eventually succumbing to Frankie “The Surgeon” Randall in January of 1994, via split decision.

Chávez’ record: (107-6-2, 86 KOs)

Mike “Iron Mike” Tyson (The Baddest Man on the Planet)

At 20, Tyson became the youngest ever world heavyweight champion when he dethroned then champion Trevor Berbick for the WBC title.

By the age of 21, Tyson had become the undisputed world heavyweight champion, by defeating James “Bonecrusher” Smith and Tony “TNT” Tucker for their respective WBA and IBF titles. 

He went on to defend his titles nine times, before a disastrous loss to 42-1 underdog James “Buster” Douglas.

That loss was the catalyst to most of his troubles—he was convicted of rape and sentenced to three-years in an Indianapolis correctional facility.

After serving time, he went on to capture both the WBC and WBA titles before losing to the Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield.

Other attempts at the Holy Grail proved futile—one that sticks in the mind is his decimation at the hands of the then WBC, IBF, IBO and The Ring heavyweight champion Lennox “The Lion” Lewis.

Tyson eventually retired after a TKO loss to nonentity Kevin McBride in 2005.

Tyson’s record: (50-6-2NC, 44 KOs)

Kostya “Thunder from Down Under” Tszyu

The Russian-Australian pugilist is a four-time world light welterweight champion.

His most notable wins came against Jake Rodriguez (for the IBF light welterweight belt), Roger “Black Mamba” Mayweather (Uncle to Floyd Mayweather Jr.), Miguel “Santa Tokyo” Angel Gonzalez (for the vacant WBC light welterweight title), Sharmba “Little Big Man” Mitchell (twice), Julio Cesar Chavez, Zab “Super” Judah and Jesse “The Texas Tornado” James Leija.

Tszyu lost twice in his career—Vince “Cool” Philips and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (on both occasions losing the IBF welterweight championship).

 Tszyu’s record: 31-2-1NC, 25 KOs)

Sylvester Stallone

The actor, director and screenwriter is well known for his contributions to boxing through his sequel of Rocky films, where he played the prize fighter Rocky Balboa.

He was also a co-presenter alongside current boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, on the NBC reality series The Contender.

Rocky Balboa’s record: (57-23, 54 KOs)

Joe Cortez

Joe Cortez is a former Golden Gloves winner who at present is one of the most renowned referees on the boxing circuit.

Cortez has also officiated over 170 world title bouts.

His famous line during instructions is,

“I’m fair but I’m firm.”

Joe Cortez’s record: (18-1)

1. Floyd Mayweather and Larry Merchant

If there was ever a case to be made for the idiom “A picture is worth a thousand words,” then this is it.

Following his controversial win over Victor Ortiz, Mayweather was harangued for an answer by Larry Merchant on the projected super-fight with Manny Pacquiao.

After a heated exchange, things took a turn for the worst.

“You never give me a fair shake. You are s*** and HBO should fire you. You don't know s*** about boxing. You ain't s***,” Mayweather said.

Merchant let fly with his own brand of trash talking,

“I wish I was 50 years younger and I would kick your ass,”

The expression on Merchant’s face is Priceless—$1 million dollars couldn’t buy you that look.

And finally, something to put a smile on your  faces...

Halle Berry

The 45- year-old actress and former fashion model is damn fine, and she’s got the boxing gloves to prove it.

Berry’s Boxing Record: (0-0-0)

Most notable films: Jungle Fever, Losing Isaiah, Swordfish, X-Men Trilogy, Monsters Ball and Die Another Day.

Keeley Hazell

Two words describes the British born glamour model; Sizzling hot.

Hazell’s Boxing Record: (0-0-0)

Most notable accomplishments: No. 2 in FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women In The World; 2006 and 2007.

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