While the boxing world was focused on Sebastian Fundora’s dominant defense of his unified light middleweight titles—securing a fourth-round TKO victory over the 33-year-old Chordale Booker—another remarkable moment had already unfolded on the undercard at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. Once an unstoppable duo, Gervonta Davis and Floyd Mayweather no longer share the close bond they once had as fighter and promoter. Since parting ways with Mayweather Promotions in 2022, Tank Davis has been charting his own path under Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis Promotions. As a result, Mayweather has been busy scouting the next generation of boxing talent to fill that void. And it seems he may have just found his newest lightweight and super welterweight sensation.
Enter Jursly Vargas, a 20-year-old lightweight nicknamed ‘The Gorilla’. The young boxer didn’t just dip his toes into the pro boxing waters—he made a splash. Back in 2022, he introduced himself in Amsterdam, delivering a first-round KO against Yanko Naydenov in his pro debut fight. Four weeks after his debut fight, the 20-year-old Dominican was already signed to Mayweather Promotions. Fast forward to March 22nd, and Vargas stepped into the ring for his fifth pro fight, this time facing 33-year-old Uhlices Avelino-Reyes. The result? Another knockout victory—this time in the fourth round. Safe to say, Floyd Mayweather was happy. And with Vargas knocking opponents down like dominoes, it looks like Money Mayweather might have found his next star boxer.
Passing the Torch: Floyd Mayweather’s Latest Fighter Joins the Ranks
However, with his fourth knockout from five wins, it looks like Jursly Vargas is just getting started in his pro career. Born in Curaçao and raised partly in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Vargas originally stepped into combat sports as a kickboxer. By 16, he made the switch to boxing and began competing in amateur bouts across Amsterdam, Germany, and England.
Not long after Vargas signed with Mayweather Promotions, he was already on his way to Las Vegas to train at the Mayweather gym. Training in the fight capital of the world gave him a whole new level of experience, sharpening his skills against elite sparring partners and watchful coaches. Last year he won his third fight on the undercard Floyd Mayweather vs John Gotti III rematch in Mexico City. Now, with five wins under his belt, Vargas has one clear goal: fight for a world title by the time he’s 21.
But it’s not just about business—Vargas and Mayweather seem to have a real bond. In an interview with Convo Flows two months ago, Vargas spoke about their relationship. “We started traveling a lot together. Right now, I can call him, and he answers,” he said respectfully. “He always tells me things that I have to do, and good decisions to make. He’s just a mentor, he’s always there. He changed my life, and I’m grateful for everything.”
Along with him, there was also 18-year-old Joseph Brown who also won his fifth pro fight on the same Fundora-Booker undercard last night. A 6x national champion, Brown also has a record of 5 wins with four coming by way of knockout. Insane power! Is it not? Super proud of ‘The Prodigy’, Money Mayweather, on his Instagram story, congratulated him as well, stating, “Follow & congratulate @mayweatherprommotions fighter @realjosephbrown on his big win in a 6th round knockout!”
That says a lot. Mayweather seems all-in on Vargas and Brown. It seems Floyd Mayweather is determined to build the next boxing star after Tank’s exit.
From Protégé to Rival
Back in 2015, on what seemed like just another day, Floyd Mayweather decided to take a chance on a young, hungry fighter named Gervonta Davis. At the time, Tank had fewer than 10 fights to his name, but with legendary promoter Al Haymon in his corner, Mayweather saw something special. The rise of Baltimore southpaw to boxing superstardom was nothing short of remarkable, and there’s no denying Floyd Mayweather played a massive role in shaping his career. Tank officially cut ties with Mayweather Promotions before his fight against Rolando Romero. Ever since their split, they’ve taken their fair share of jabs at each other—on social media, in interviews, wherever they get the chance. And on February 24, 2025, things took another odd turn.
As Floyd was out celebrating his 48th birthday, the usual flood of tributes and birthday wishes rolled in. But one post stood out—Tank’s. Instead of a warm message, Davis dropped a training video with a caption that read, “Life is better when you’re gone and I don’t need ya… #TheONE.” Ouch! It’s wild to think that at one point, their relationship was golden. And suddenly by 2022, it was all over!
So, here’s the real question: is Floyd Mayweather trying to mold another Gervonta Davis with Jursly Vargas? And if so, will this mentor-mentee bond last longer than the last one? What do you think?
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