Floyd Mayweather Jr. Says LeBron James Is Better Player Than Michael Jordan

Better NBA player? Boxing’s biggest name is going to take the two-ring winner over the six-time champ — and, what the heck, he may even pick Kevin Durant over both of them.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. went on ESPN Chicago radio on Wednesday to promote his Sept. 14 fight with Canelo Alvarez, and he was asked to weigh in on the LBJ-MJ debate of who is the better player. Mayweather went with the current title-holder.

“Who’s a better player between LeBron James and Michael Jordan? I would say LeBron James,” Mayweather said. “And I’m from the Michael Jordan era. I’m 36 years old.”

Mayweather did make some disclaimers. He said his decision wasn’t based on titles, as Bill Russell has 11 of those. He also said dunks weren’t the ruling criteria for him.

“Really, when we’re talking about who’s the best basketball player, it’s just an opinion,” he said. “Do I love Michael Jordan? Absolutely. But in this era, it’s more than just one. It’s an argument. You’ve got Kevin Durant, who some days I feel he’s better than LeBron.”

Mayweather also may have a rooting interest in this debate (no, not that kind of rooting interest — Mayweather wouldn’t talk about the reported $5.9 million he put down on the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals). He says he admires James and the Heat, and he gave a “LeBron James, I’m proud of you” shout-out in the interview.

As usual, there will be opportunities for Mayweather to back up his fighting words.