VIDEO: Floyd Mayweather Says He Should Have Won Athlete of the Decade Over LeBron James

At the end of 2019, the Associated Press awarded LeBron James with the "Athlete of the Decade" title. The LA Lakers star received the honor over athletes across the sporting spectrum like Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps. Floyd Mayweather, a champion in five different weight classes over a storied two-decade career, said it should've been him during a recent interview with the "Drink Champs" podcast.

In fact, expanding the argument, Mayweather believes he should have won the honor for the last two decades. In 2010, Tiger Woods won Athlete of the Decade after winning 64 tournaments during the 2000s. Mayweather was undefeated during his career, a title-winner in five weight classes, a lineal champion in four weight classes, a three-time Golden Glove Champion, and a U.S. National Champion. He was also called the best boxer in the last 25 years by ESPN in 2016.

He may have a case.

Mayweather also alluded to the power of sponsorships in deciding who comes away with that award. LeBron James has enjoyed many, high-profile sponsorships over his career, and his outlandish lifetime Nike contract, along with his well-earned NBA stardom, puts him in the public eye more often than someone who stars in the boxing ring. That's just how it goes.

Putting all arguments aside, it is hard to ignore the dominance that LeBron James displayed in the 2010s. With three championships, three MVPs, nine All-NBA First Teams, and eight consecutive Finals appearances, most athletes and sports fans can probably agree with AP's choice this time.