Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather visits Israel, receives award

Former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather, who is seen as one of the best in the sport, visited Israel on Tuesday as part of his world tour.

“Exploring the globe with my team on my annual world tour. This leg of my journey has brought me to Israel. We’re excited to learn more of its history and expand our knowledge. Let’s spread love and positivity together!” he wrote on Instagram, where he has nearly 30 million followers.

Mayweather visited Aish HaTorah and the United Hatzalah headquarters in Jerusalem on his tour.

Aish HaTorah presented the athlete with its Champion for Israel Award, “a special honor reserved for those who continue to advocate against hate and antisemitism and stand up for Israel,” during a ceremony on Aish’s roof, which overlooks the Western Wall.

“The rooftop is some of the best real estate in the world,” Mayweather said. “Aish has welcomed me and my team in Jerusalem before, and it is very exciting to be back. This place is amazing. Everyone should come and visit here.”

The boxing legend visited Israel for the first time in November 2022, when he visited the Western Wall in the Old City, and as a guest at a Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball game.

During his current visit, Mayweather wore a large Star of David necklace while praying at the Western Wall, and was reportedly “visibly moved” when he met volunteers from United Hatzalah, along with the organization's founder and president, Eli Beer and CEO, Eli Pollak.

“United Hatzalah’s activity is astonishing, and I hope that the entire world adopts the model of providing medical treatment within 90 seconds; United Hatzalah volunteers are world champions of lifesaving,” said Mayweather, according to United Hatzalah.

Mayweather’s visit also included dinner at Pitmaster in Jerusalem, where he was met with cheers of welcome and applause from other guests, some of whom shouted: “We love you!” In return, the former boxer put on an apron and showed his dance moves.

Just days after Hamas' brutal attack against Israeli southern border communities on Oct. 7, Mayweather sent his private jet filled with supplies for Israeli military troops, including everything from “food and water to bulletproof vests for the IDF and civilians”.

“I stand with Israel against the Hamas terrorists. Hamas do not represent the people of Palestine but are a terrorist group that are attacking innocent lives! I stand for all humans and wish for the safe return of all Americans and Israelis and any human that were kidnapped as hostages during these horrific war crimes,” Mayweather wrote in an Instagram post, alongside a photo of himself in Jerusalem.

“I stand with Israel and Jews all around the world. I condemn antisemitism at all cost. I stand for Peace. I stand for Human Rights! Terrorism Is Never The Answer,” read a second post, with an image of a fist in the colors of the Israeli flag.

At the time, Mayweather urged his followers to also stand in solidarity with the victims of Oct. 7 and to participate in a solidarity march with Israel on Oct. 15 in southern California.