Mayweather was great, let’s be real - how many people knew about Maidana and Ricky Hatton before they faced each other? Mayweather was excellent at promoting fights, making people believe their opponents were real threats because they had undefeate records. For instance, nobody knew who Canelo was before they fought. But I admit, Canelo improved his boxing drastically after their bout.
Floyd was old enough to face prime De La Hoya, Sugar Shane, Felix Trinidad, and that era of boxers but Floyd was in a different weight class, lightweight. Young Floyd at lightweight was spectacular, untouchable (except Castillo I) but he didn’t prove enough at welterweight during those years he fought. His best victory was against Miguel Cotto. But him beating a washed up 2007 De La Hoya and made it to the scorecards while losing almost half the rounds did not convince me he’s the GOAT.