Floyd Mayweather, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, has faced many formidable opponents throughout his illustrious career. Despite remaining undefeated, Mayweather recently revealed the toughest fight of his career, surprising many fans by naming someone other than Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, or Marcos Maidana.

In an interview, Mayweather candidly discussed the grueling nature of his match against José Luis Castillo. This revelation came as a shock to many, as Castillo is not often mentioned among the high-profile names typically associated with Mayweather’s career. However, those who witnessed their first bout in 2002 understand why Castillo earned this recognition.

The fight took place on April 20, 2002, and was one of the most challenging tests for Mayweather. Castillo, known for his relentless pressure and rugged style, pushed Mayweather to his limits. Throughout the fight, Castillo’s aggressive approach and powerful punches kept Mayweather on the defensive, forcing him to dig deep and showcase his resilience and tactical prowess.

Despite suffering a shoulder injury early in the fight, Mayweather managed to secure a unanimous decision victory, though the bout was closely contested and controversial. Many observers felt that Castillo had done enough to win, leading to calls for a rematch. In their second meeting later that year, Mayweather decisively defeated Castillo, leaving no doubt about his superiority. However, the memory of their first encounter remains etched in boxing history as one of Mayweather’s most challenging battles.

Mayweather’s acknowledgment of Castillo as his toughest opponent highlights the often overlooked yet significant fights that shaped his career. While his victories over Pacquiao, De La Hoya, and Maidana are celebrated, it is the grueling, hard-fought battles like the one against Castillo that truly tested his mettle and cemented his legacy as an all-time great.

As Mayweather reflects on his career, his respect for Castillo is evident. “He gave me a hell of a fight,” Mayweather said. “It was tough, but it made me better. Those are the fights that define a champion.”

Mayweather’s revelation serves as a reminder that the path to greatness is paved with more than just high-profile victories. It includes the tough, gritty battles that push a fighter to their limits and ultimately define their legacy.