EDDIE HEARN has named his ‘Mount Rushmore’ of boxing – but left out Floyd Mayweather.
The American National Memorial sculpture, situated in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, features the carved heads of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Promoter Hearn was asked which past or present legends of the last 40 to 50 years deserve the recognition to be put on boxing’s own Rushmore.
And he picked Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Pernell Whitaker.
But speaking to SPORTbible, Hearn explained why he left 50-0 Mayweather off the list.
He said: “Legends evolve over time.
“When you look at the weight divisions that Manny Pacquiao has won world championships in, you have to say Pacquiao should be on a list like that.
“But for me, I don’t look at Floyd Mayweather as a historic fighter.
“One day we’ll look back on Mayweather as a great, but he’s got to be a little bit careful. To retire with dignity is a wonderful thing.
“To retire undefeated is amazing, but to do it with dignity and class is special. But he loves a pound note.”
Mayweather hung up the gloves as a professional in 2017, after beating UFC star Conor McGregor.
But he returned a year later to face featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, in an exhibition bout in Japan that lasted one round.
Mayweather, 43, has even teased another comeback this year, whereas Ali, Tyson, Leonard and Whitaker have all cemented their legacies.
Ali – considered The Greatest – reigned as heavyweight champion three times and shared some of the greatest rivalries in boxing history.
He died in 2016 at the age of 74, leaving behind a great legacy outside the ring.
Sugar Ray is also celebrated for his historic matchups, against Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns.
Leonard, now 64, possessed lightening quick hands which helped him win titles in five weight classes.
Like Mayweather, Whitaker was remembered for his masterful defence and elusive counter-punching style.
The four-division champion – who also spent time as a trainer – passed away in 2019 aged 55 after a car accident.
Tyson, 54, is now the only one of Hearn’s four selections still fighting, after he announced a comeback to face Roy Jones Jr, 51, this year.
Iron Mike had retired in 2005, following an up and down career.
He is one of the most famed punchers in history and became the youngest heavyweight champ of all time aged 20.
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