Mickey Bey’s Story: A Fighter Who Never Gave Up

Mickey Bey may not be a household name, but his journey through boxing is nothing short of inspiring. As the former IBF lightweight champion, the 41-year-old isn’t just reflecting on his career—he’s leaving the door open for more fights while focusing on training the next generation. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to passing on his hard-earned wisdom.

The Ups and Downs of Mickey Bey’s Career

Looking at Bey’s record—25 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw (13 KOs)—you see the marks of a fighter who’s battled through tough challenges. His last major fight, a split-decision loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2019, became a pivotal moment in boxing. That match set the stage for Kambosos’ shocking win over Teofimo Lopez in 2021.

But even with that loss, Bey hasn’t thrown in the towel. In fact, he’s on a two-fight win streak, including a recent victory in Mexico this past May. Yet, when Bey reflects on his hardest fights, they weren’t the ones everyone saw on TV.

“Some of my toughest fights were early on,” Bey explained. “You’d get a call on short notice with no clue who you’re fighting. Sometimes these guys weren’t super skilled, but they could punch. One lucky shot could knock you out.”

What helped Bey survive those battles? His longtime trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr. “Floyd prepared me for anything,” Bey said. “He didn’t just train you for specific opponents—he trained you to adapt. That made all the difference in those tough fights.”

Facing Elite Opponents

When asked about the most talented fighter he ever faced, Bey didn’t hesitate: Miguel Vazquez. Vazquez, known for his tricky style, only lost to top-tier names like Canelo Alvarez and Timothy Bradley, both of whom fought at much higher weight classes.

Bey faced Vazquez for the IBF lightweight title, and the odds weren’t in his favor. He entered the fight with an injured hand, but backing out wasn’t an option.

“That fight wasn’t pretty,” Bey admitted. “Vazquez was awkward and hard to figure out. I couldn’t rely on throwing a lot of punches because of my hand, so I had to outthink him. I had to control the pace, steal rounds, and make him uncomfortable. Floyd always said, ‘Win ugly if you have to.’ That’s exactly what I did.”

Bey’s ability to adapt under pressure is what set him apart. He didn’t just rely on his physical skills—he used his smarts to overcome challenges and outmaneuver opponents, even when the odds were stacked against him.

Life After the Spotlight

These days, Bey splits his time between training fighters and staying ready for a potential return to the ring. Although he hasn’t officially retired, his focus has shifted to helping others navigate the sport he loves.

One thing Bey emphasizes is mental toughness. “Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches,” he explained. “It’s about staying calm under pressure. I’ve seen fighters panic and lose focus when things don’t go their way. You’ve got to stick to the plan, adapt, and fight smart.”

Bey credits Floyd Mayweather Sr. for teaching him how to stay composed in tough situations. Now, he’s passing that same knowledge on to his fighters. “Floyd taught me that boxing is about survival as much as skill,” Bey said. “That’s what I’m teaching the next generation. It’s not just about winning—it’s about finding a way to win when everything’s against you.”