LAS VEGAS — Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has gone viral after delivering an emotional speech while accepting the World Champion for Israel Award from the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) during their Annual Leadership Summit on Saturday night.
The undefeated former world champion was honoured for his “big heart” and “unwavering support for the people of Israel during the war in Gaza.”
“I’m not with you guys 10%, 50%. I will always be the voice for the people in Israel,” Mayweather declared in his speech. “I will always stand behind the country of Israel. When you guys don’t have a voice, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather will always be here for you.”
The 48-year-old star, who retired with a flawless 50-0 record, has visited Israel several times since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and over 250 kidnapped. During these trips, he has supported United Hatzalah, assisted wounded IDF soldiers, and donated to Israeli children orphaned by the conflict.
Despite anticipating backlash, Mayweather remained defiant about his position.
“I’m going to stand strong, and no matter how much backlash I get, I live my life for me,” he said. “Any time it’s war, I’m on your side — count me in.”
The Republican Jewish Coalition commended Mayweather’s efforts, noting that his “time, energy and resources have helped Israelis in their greatest time of need.” The group also praised him for speaking out against antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States, calling him “a champion for Israel and the Jewish people.”
During his visits to Israel, Mayweather has been seen meeting Israeli soldiers on Tel Aviv’s Hilton Beach, taking photos, and sharing words of encouragement. “These are young fighters,” he told Israel Hayom. “I was a young fighter. I know how it is.”
Mayweather added that his connection to Israel is long-standing:
“I don’t remember anymore how many times I’ve been to Israel, but it’s probably a lot. It’s a beautiful place with wonderful people. I’ve always had Israeli friends, and I’ll continue coming here until my dying day.”
The Las Vegas summit also featured notable conservative figures including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Senator Lindsey Graham, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, and Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
A long-time supporter of former President Donald Trump, Mayweather once called him “a great president” and “a great businessman.”
However, his pro-Israel stance sparked controversy online. Critics accused the boxing icon of aligning himself with controversial politics. One social media user wrote, “I can only imagine the kind of debt Floyd Mayweather got to be in to be doing this,” while another commented, “Netanyahu don’t give a damn about your Black a$$ Floyd Mayweather. So sick and tired of some of these conforming Black celebrities like him.”
Despite the criticism, Mayweather remains steadfast — in and out of the ring — declaring his loyalty to causes he believes in.
Source: AllHipHop.com
