West Haven boy fulfills dream of going to Floyd Mayweather's gym

West Haven boy fulfills dream of going to Floyd Mayweather's gym

(Courtesy of Amanda Tiffany)


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WEST HAVEN — An 11-year-old with a goal of someday boxing professionally fulfilled a dream of going to Floyd Mayweather's gym and watching him train.

West Haven resident Preston Tiffany was introduced to MMA boxing in 2011 at the age of 7. In June, he became a national boxing champion after winning the title for his age group at the U.S. Junior Olympics in Charleston, West Virginia.

Preston's mother, Amanda Tiffany, said her son is inspired by boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and watches all of his matches. She said for the past four years, she has taken Preston and her family to watch the National Golden Gloves tournament.

"His dream is to meet Floyd Mayweather just one time and go to his gym," Tiffany said.

Preston and his older brother competed in the Junior Golden Gloves tournament in Mesquite, Nevada, July 21-15. While the family was at the tournament, they received news that their family dog died. Despite the bad news, both boys advanced to the semifinals, but ended up losing.

The losses in addition to the the death of their pet made it an emotional week for them, Tiffany said. To lift their spirits, the family decided to go to Floyd Mayweather's personal gym, Mayweather Boxing Club, in Las Vegas. Because the facility is not open to the public, Tiffany said she didn't think they would be able to get inside.


Preston just about died. All three boys were just in awe. … He even said, 'Mom, when he hit the heavy bag, I got a piece of Floyd's sweat on me. … Mom, I'm never wiping this arm again.'

–Amanda Tiffany


"We went there and Preston and his two brothers were leaning up against the window… and we went to walk away and they had their heads slouched down and a guy opens up the door and says, '... Hold on a minute, let me go ask my supervisor if you can come in.' "

Tiffany said their family was allowed to go inside the gym and as they were looking around, a staff member invited them to go back for a second visit on Monday. When the family went back, Tiffany said Preston and her other two sons were able to sparr and they met and talked with Floyd Mayweather's uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather. During their visit, they were also able to watch Floyd Mayweather workout and train.

"Preston just about died," Tiffany said. "All three boys were just in awe. … He even said, 'Mom, when he hit the heavy bag, I got a piece of Floyd's sweat on me. … Mom, I'm never wiping this arm again.' "

Tiffany said Preston didn't get to formally meet Floyd Mayweather, but that the experience in his gym "boosted his week."

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