Mickey Bey reflects on a fighting career that might not be over just yet

Mickey Bey’s career might not have been perfect, but the former IBF lightweight titleholder is always about finding ways to win, even when the odds weren’t in his favor. Now 41, the Cleveland-born fighter is in the twilight of his career, training only a select few while keeping the door open for a few more fights.

“I’m still listed as active,” Bey said, referencing his last fight—a win in Mexico this May. With a record of 25-3-1 (13 KOs), Bey is riding a two-fight win streak, though his last high profile fight was a 2019 split-decision loss to George Kambosos Jnr, setting the stage for Kambosos’ eventual upset of Teofimo Lopez in 2021.

Despite fighting many big name opponents, Bey was candid and unsure who his toughest fight came against.

“It probably was some of my early fights,” Bey told BoxingScene. “You get calls on short notice, and you don’t even know who you’re fighting. A lot of these guys aren’t super skilled, but they can punch. That’s the thing—most top fighters don’t have that one-punch power, but the mediocre ones? They can knock you out with one lucky shot. Those fights were tough because you don’t know what to expect.”

Bey credits his longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr for helping him navigate those challenges. 

“Floyd prepared me for everything,” Bey said. “He didn’t focus on who you were fighting—he prepared you to adapt to anything. That’s how he was. He was strict, but he taught me every element of the game. Without him, those fights would’ve been a lot harder.”

How about the most talented fighter?

“Miguel Vazquez,” Bey said without hesitation. “Look at his track record. He only lost to two guys Canelo [Alvarez] and [Timothy] Bradley, and those were way above our weight class. I fought him with an injured hand, but it was for a [IBF lightweight] title, so I had to go in knowing I’d only be fighting with one hand.”

Vazquez’s awkward style made the fight even more difficult, but Bey found a way to win.

“He was tricky, real tricky,” Bey said. “But Floyd Snr always taught me to adapt. I knew I couldn’t rely on a high punch output, so I had to steal rounds—be the aggressor, dictate the pace, make him move. It wasn’t pretty, but you’ve heard the term, ‘I’d rather win ugly than lose pretty.’ That’s what I did.”

For Bey, mental toughness has been as critical as physical preparation.

“You can’t panic in the ring,” Bey said. “It’s 12 rounds, and you have to stick to the plan, even when it’s not going your way. I’ve seen guys get dropped or hurt because they didn’t stay patient. You have to fight smart, stay focused, and adapt.”

Now training fighters while balancing the possibility of a return, Bey looks back on his journey with pride and gratitude, especially for the lessons passed down from Floyd Snr.

“Boxing isn’t just about skills—it’s about surviving tough situations and finding a way to win,” Bey said. “Floyd taught me that. And I’m trying to pass that on to the next generation.”