Floyd Mayweather is one of the wealthiest athletes of all time, earning more than $1 billion during his boxing career.

The interesting part?

It all started with a $750,000 bet on himself.

Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) Let's start in 2006...

Ten years into his professional career, Floyd Mayweather was already the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world — making $5M+ per fight.

The only problem?

He wanted more.
2) Floyd Mayweather was signed to Top Rank Boxing, a promotional company run by Bob Arum.

In exchange for setting up fights, negotiating contracts, handling ticket sales, etc., Bob Arum received ~25% of the purse.

In return, Mayweather was given a large guaranteed fee up front.
3) Everything was great between Floyd Mayweather and Top Rank Boxing until 2006.

Here's what happened:

Mayweather turned down $8M to fight Antonio Margarito—the largest purse of his career—saying he deserved $20M to fight Oscar De La Hoya instead.

Bob Arum?

He wasn't happy...
4) Here's what Bob Arum said about the $20M request:

"He wants $20M for the De La Hoya fight? It's not there. Sometimes, my man, you gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em"

Mayweather's response?

He bet on himself, paying a $750,000 exit fee to leave Top Rank Boxing.
5) After leaving Top Rank Boxing, Floyd Mayweather established a financial structure unlike anyone else in the sport.

By setting up & promoting his own fights, Mayweather earned a percentage of every ticket purchased and hot dog sold — not to mention pay-per-view fees.
6) By eliminating the middle man, Floyd Mayweather risked guaranteed up-front cash for back-end profit.

The result?

In 2007, just one year after leaving Top Rank Boxing, Floyd Mayweather made $25M for fighting Oscar De La Hoya.

This time, Bob Arum wasn't laughing.
7) Since paying $750k to leave Top Rank Boxing in 2006, Floyd Mayweather has become the most successful boxer in history.

— 50-0 record
— Made $275M off Mcgregor fight
— Surpassed $1B in career earnings

Even crazier?

Mayweather is only 1 of 5 athletes to earn $1B while active.
8) Despite earning $1B in his career, Floyd Mayweather set himself up to continue cashing in during retirement.

Mayweather Promotions currently represents 20+ boxers, including WBA Champion Gervonta Davis.

Put simply, Mayweather went from working for the man to being the man.
9) Regardless of your feelings about Floyd Mayweather's public persona, he is undoubtedly an unbelievable businessman.

Remember, where some people see risk, others see opportunity.

Bet on yourself; you won't regret it.
10) If you enjoyed this thread, you should:

1. Follow me; I tweet cool stories like this every day.

2. Subscribe to my free daily newsletter, where I give a detailed analysis on topics involving the money and business behind sports.

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More from @JoePompliano

9 Feb
The Weeknd spent $7M of his own money and wasn't paid by the NFL for last night's halftime show at the Super Bowl.

The craziest part?

It was an investment.

Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) First, some history.

From Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry to Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga, the most famous halftime performers in history haven't been paid to perform at the Super Bowl.

Instead, they are rewarded with exposure.
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The part you didn't know?

It all started with a $100 bet.

This is his wild story.

Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) Let's start in 2004...

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The only problem?

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Spoiler Alert...

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What happened next is straight out of a movie.
Read 13 tweets
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Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) Let's start in 1984...

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After losing in the NCAA tournament, MJ's roommate Buzz Peterson was heading out to play golf with Davis Love III — a UNC student-athlete at the time.

MJ asked, "Y'all mind if I come?"
2) Fast forward almost 40 years, and the rest is history.

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For the first time since 2014, EA Sports is bringing back their college football video game.

But what about name, image, and likeness?

Here's everything you need to know.

👇👇👇
1) Launch Date

As of right now, EA Sports doesn't have a tentative date scheduled for release.

All we know is that it won't be for this upcoming season.

What about 2022?

That's more likely.
2) Teams & Licensing

EA Sports has partnered with collegiate licensing company CLC to accurately depict FBS "schools, traditions, uniforms, playbooks, and more."

In total, more than 100 teams will be in the game.

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Sylvester Stallone was homeless in 1975 and had $106 to his name.

Today, he's worth over $400M.

This is the wild story of how one negotiation changed his life forever and why betting on yourself is always the right move.

Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) Let's start in 1969...

After 3 years at the University of Miami, Sylvester Stallone dropped out of college, deciding to move to NYC to chase his acting dreams.

The interesting part?

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On the anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death, here's a story you've probably never heard.

Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) Let's start in 2007...

Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers have just lost in the first round of playoffs to the Phoenix Suns.

Frustrated that the Lakers were unable to build a championship-level roster, Kobe started to plan his exit.

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2) Given his desire to be traded, Kobe Bryant inquired about working out at nearby UC Irvine during the offseason.

As a small mid-major program with poor facilities, no one actually thought Kobe Bryant would show up — until he did.

This is where it gets interesting…
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