While Floyd Mayweather has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest boxers in history, the last man to defeat him, Serafim Todorov, has taken a far different path.
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a 19-year-old Mayweather faced a heartbreaking defeat that left him in tears but motivated him to never experience that feeling again. Todorov, a Bulgarian boxer, managed to outpoint the young American in a major upset during the semi-finals, leaving Mayweather with a bronze medal.
Despite this win, Todorov’s post-Olympic journey took a tough turn. While Mayweather went on to amass a perfect 50-0 record and become a global icon, Todorov struggled to capitalize on his Olympic success. He declined an offer from U.S. promoters, opting instead to pursue representing Turkey at the 1997 World Amateur Boxing Championships. Unfortunately, the Bulgarian Boxing Federation blocked this move, and Todorov eventually retired from boxing in 2003.
In stark contrast to Mayweather’s rise to fame and fortune, Todorov’s life after boxing was far less glamorous. In 2015, at the age of 46, he made a brief return to the ring, winning a unanimous decision over Aleksandar Chukaleiski. However, his financial situation remained bleak. That same year, *The New York Times* reported that Todorov was living on a modest pension of $435 per month, residing with his family in a small apartment in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria. He worked various jobs, including as a driver for a grocery store and a sausage factory, to make ends meet.
Meanwhile, Mayweather capitalized on his immense talent and polarizing personality to draw in fans worldwide. Whether people wanted to see him win or lose, they tuned in, helping him become one of the richest athletes of all time. Mayweather’s defensive prowess, particularly his use of the shoulder roll, made him nearly untouchable in the ring, with only a few fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Marcos Maidana coming close to defeating him. Some even argue that José Luis Castillo did enough to beat him in their first fight, but no one in the professional ranks could claim victory over “Money” Mayweather.
While Mayweather reached the pinnacle of boxing, even claiming to be better than the legendary Muhammad Ali, his confidence didn’t sit well with everyone. Mike Tyson, in particular, criticized Mayweather for his bold statement, explaining that, in his eyes, Mayweather could never surpass his hero, Ali.
Todorov may have never fulfilled his potential, but his victory over Mayweather remains a significant chapter in both their stories—one that contrasts two very different paths taken after their Olympic encounter.