Are there any doubts about Laila Ali’s greatness in women’s boxing? An undefeated champion across two weight classes, a pioneer who faced some of the toughest names, and a successful entrepreneur and TV personality. Things rarely get better than that. Yet, despite her accomplishments, the daughter of ‘The Greatest,’ Muhammad Ali, has never forgotten those who helped her along the way—Roger Mayweather, the late uncle of Floyd Mayweather.

Ali, known to fans as ‘She Bee Stingin,’ retired from boxing in 2007 after a knockout win over Gwendolyn O’Neil. These days, she’s making headlines for a potential comeback against three-division undisputed champion Claressa Shields. But her attention has turned to honoring the man who guided her during her rise in the sport. Five years after Roger ‘Black Mamba’ Mayweather’s passing, Ali shared a heartfelt tribute in his memory.

Laila Ali shows off what Roger Mayweather taught her

Earlier today, the 47-year-old took to Instagram to share a nostalgic montage from her fighting days. The clip featured moments of her training, sparring sessions, and mitt work, showcasing the sharp speed and technique that defined her career. Alongside the video, she wrote, “Nope, the punches aren’t sped up—that’s real time. Speed and precision…built different!” She also paid tribute to her late coach, adding, “RIP Roger Mayweather.”

Interestingly, boxing was never part of Laila Ali’s original plan. But after watching women compete in a sport her father had made legendary, she decided to step into the ring herself. When Muhammad Ali found out, he wasn’t thrilled. He tried to dissuade her, warning about the burden of being his daughter, and cited that boxing wasn’t for women. Still, Laila pressed on, carrying that immense legacy on her shoulders.

After her early bouts, she teamed up with Roger Mayweather—the man who molded Floyd Mayweather into a technical genius. Reflecting on his time with her, Roger once told Muhammad Ali, “Your daughter got something that you don’t.” When Muhammad Ali asked what that was, Roger replied, “‘Your daughter punches to the body, you don’t…’ that’s why his daughter stopped so many girls.”

Years later, Laila looked back on that partnership with deep gratitude. In a 2025 Facebook post, she wrote, “I have so many great memories training with Rodger Mayweather and winning multiple world titles together! Always had [my] dad with me [in] my mirror. Looking in his eyes was like looking into my own. Cut from the same cloth.”

Roger Mayweather passed away at 58 on March 17, 2020, after a long battle with diabetes, a loss that left his nephew, Floyd Mayweather, heartbroken.

Floyd Mayweather describes losing his world

After his uncle’s passing, Floyd Mayweather paid a heartfelt tribute to his late uncle and former trainer. Calling him “one of the most important people in my life, inside and outside of the ring,” Floyd remembered Roger not just as a mentor, but as a “great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing.”

Roger was a two-division world champion, holding titles at super featherweight and super lightweight. Over an 18-year, 72-fight career, he faced legends like Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Pernell Whitaker, while earning victories over Vinny Pazienza and several Mexican standouts—earning him the nickname ‘The Mexican Assassin.’

His knowledge and passion for the sport helped shape Floyd into the boxer he became. “Roger meant the world to me,” Floyd said. “It is a terrible loss for our family and the entire boxing world.”

Even though years have passed since Roger Mayweather passed away, the bonds he formed last to this day. Do you remember the days Ali and Mayweather lit up the ring?