A few weeks back, former super featherweight and lightweight champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez succumbed to a rare form of cancer. The south-central Los Angeles native touched the hearts of many as over 600 people attended his funeral. Hernandez won his first world title in 1991 knocking out Daniel Londas and had only two losses in his career both coming to Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
We had a chance to speak to Mayweather Jr. about the impact Genaro Hernandez had on him coming up in the ranks as a unknown prospect. Mayweather Jr. who paid for Hernandez’s funeral cites Hernandez as the man who allowed him to become the superstar that he is. “He gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills when he did not need to,” said Mayweather Jr. “I was ranked number 8 or 9 and the world and Genaro Hernandez gave me a chance. He didn’t have to do that.”
It it a touching side of Mayweather, who is known for his “Money” persona. He genuinely shows compassion and respect for the fallen champion and shows you the real side of Mayweather, the ones the cameras rarely get to see.
