THE internet went crazy when “Floyd Mayweather dead” began trending on social media.
But fear not – the professional boxer is alive and well even as the rumours raged on.
Who is Floyd Mayweather?
Born on February 24, 1977, Floyd Mayweather is a former professional boxer.
He has won 15 major world championships from super featherweight to light middleweight.
He also won the Ring Magazine title in five weight classes and the lineal championship in four weight classes.
Mayweather retired with an undefeated record in 2017.
In 2018, he was the highest-paid athlete globally, with total earnings amounting to $285 million (£224 million), according to Forbes.
He was admitted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the class of 2021.
As of May 2021, he is ranked as the greatest boxer of all time.
Known to keep his personal life away from the spotlight, Mayweather has never been married.
However, he has four biological children and an adopted son.
The 46-year-old has revealed why he never got married, despite having many girlfriends.
He explained on an Instagram post that people are always asking why he made that move in life.
The post read, “Everybody always asks me when am I getting married and why am I not married? I’m not married for the same reason the divorce rate is so high. The only person I will truly trust is myself. Therefore it eliminates disappointment.”
In the caption, he mentioned: “I have nothing against people who are married, these are just my personal beliefs. What are your thoughts on marriage?”
Why is ‘Floyd Mayweather dead’ trending?
Rumours of the boxer’s alleged death began circulating in late November on Facebook.
The social media site gained attention after it honoured Floyd in a post that received one million likes.
The page provided a somewhat credible story of the boxer’s demise, stating: “On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at around 11 a.m. ET, our beloved boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., departed from this life.
“On February 24, 1977, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Though missed, he won’t be forgotten.
“Please like and leave a comment on this page to express your sorrow and sympathies.”
Hundreds of fans flocked to express their upset by posting condolence messages in the comments.
Although many gullible followers took the post at face value, others dismissed it immediately.
Floyd’s representatives formally declared his survival on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
They responded: “Stop believing what you see on the Internet; he’s still alive and well.”
The boxer is now one of the many celebrities who have fallen victim to a death hoax.
