Greg La Rosa on Being One of Floyd Mayweather’s Top Bodyguards, His Real Estate Ventures and More

It takes a special level of commitment to be the bodyguard to a high profile client and Greg LaRosa is one of Floyd Mayweather’s top bodyguards. With La Rosa’s action-packed life, every day brings something new and different yet he remains grounded and has created a life of balance on his ranch. Greg is famously known for taking a bullet for Floyd Mayweather in 2018 after they were targeted in a drive-by shooting in Atlanta and also for going viral after being called a “juicehead turkey” by UFC fighter Connor McGregor. However, Greg is more than just a bodyguard as you will see from our interview below!

From the outside looking in, who is Greg La Rosa?

A lot of people may not know, but I grew up in an Italian born family and I was originally raised in Canada. I am very proud to be Italian and our traditions. I really try to carry them with me. I truly believe it’s important to keep the culture alive. I take a lot of pride in being born in Canada and I take the utmost pride in becoming a US citizen. It became official on June 17th. A lot of people know me for being a bodyguard for Floyd Mayweather, but growing up I played the saxophone nationally in Canada, was a champion Go-Kart racer and played professional roller hockey. I even played in the USA Pro Cup. I’m really like a big kid and I love the outdoors. Overall, I’m just really grateful for my family and the values they’ve instilled in me. I was raised to be hard working, genuine, loyal and highly ambitious. I carry all of these values with me as a bodyguard. Also, I’d like to give a special shout out to my godmother Paula La Rosa- Quartarone. Additionally, respect is big for me and I show it in everything I do. Believe or not because of the hype, but I truly don’t have any enemies. I really care for people and respect their choices.

What was the defining moment that brought you to the personal security arena?

There wasn’t a defining moment that brought me to the personal security arena. It really just came to me. When I first moved to Las Vegas, I was at a low point. Being an immigrant, it was a bit of a rocky road and at one point I was going through a rough patch. During this transition period in the states, I remember a time when I had to live in my car for a week. In Toronto, I had a successful business that I could have easily gone home to. But, if I went home, it would feel like a failure to me. I want to succeed in every decision and everything I do. I started doing personal security and hosting to pay for rent. I had to make money to support myself and eat. Through networking in Las Vegas, I was able to make the necessary connections. Floyd ultimately needed extra people and Jizzy Mac (another bodyguard to Floyd) suggested that Floyd give me a call to work at one of his events he needed to attend. I was one of nine people he brought on for the event. However, I was the only one out of the nine he decided to keep on.

How did your life change when you picked up your high-profile client Floyd Mayweather?

My life has changed drastically since working for Floyd. I’m always busy day and night and my home life can seem like it’s nonexistent because we’re always on the road. But, it’s a huge blessing and a life changing experience. The income is higher which has changed my life in a positive way and it provides security especially since it’s a steady job. As many people know, it can be very hard having to work from job to job because it doesn’t always offer the sense of security you need to not only survive, but to thrive in life. It also helped me establish my credit. SInce I was an immigrant, I had to start off with zero credit. It’s very interesting to think back on those moments because it wasn’t that long ago. I’m grateful. Working with Floyd has helped me solidify a steady job, get a ranch with my lady and our horses and dogs. It’s a great feeling to be able to have our horses on our property instead of having to board them. Floyd is a huge role model in my life. He came from nothing and now look at all he’s been able to accomplish. His career and life advice has changed my whole thought pattern. He always tells me whatever you do, be the best at it and that you can accomplish anything.

In 2018, you took a bullet for The Money Team honcho, that takes a serious level of commitment. Can you discuss what it takes to be prepared to lay your life on the line for a client?

When you sign up for this line of work, you know what you signed up for. However, you can never prepare yourself for the pressure of how you’ll act in that moment because in this career anything can happen at any given time. One thing for sure is that when it’s a life or death situation you’ll learn who you are. The moment the shooting took place I was calm and controlled and I acted extremely fast. I had to. However, if I had to do it all over again I would. I will always have Floyd’s back no matter what.

Working for Floyd has brought you a lot of other opportunities for self empowerment, I understand you are also in the real estate business. How has that changed your life?

When I was young and in Canada, I bought a house early on and a lot of my role models were real estate agents. I always loved and had a passion for real estate, but with work and life I didn’t get into it as soon as I would have liked. But, it’s better late than never! It’s my passion and it’s made me busier. I love helping people. I really like that I can do it on the side and it’s very lucrative. It’s been awesome and I love the feeling I get when someone finds their dream home. It’s powerful for them and very gratifying for me.

What’s the market like considering the effect COVID has had on the economy?

The market has shot right up since Covid struck. Nevada was one of the most searched cities for real estate and houses in 2021. Overall, many people are buying a lot at cheaper rates here. It’s a busy market! However, it’s a blessing and a curse. I’ve been helping people gain a better understanding of the market. A lot of people are looking for investment properties and many of them are looking for the same things. So, the market has been tough in that aspect because there’s low stock. Just finding properties alone can present a challenge. At the same time, I’m still learning, but I’m a fast learner and I love a challenge. I’m big on market trends and I’ve been able to use Covid and the climate we’re in during final negotiations to get some of the prices adjusted. Some of the values for properties we’ve bought have even increased 30-40% within just a few months. I even bought a new ranch and I love it!

Outside of your work for Floyd and your real estate endeavors, what do you lend your energies to?

I love the outdoors and nature. It’s a part of my unwinding. I’m a true outdoorsman. My lady and I go horseback riding and we like to go four-wheeling in the desert with our friends. I also like going to the gym and the lake just to relax, but it’s mainly outdoor things. I don’t have time for other stuff. However, since I grew up playing hockey, I love watching the Las Vegas Golden Knights and going to hockey games.

People see the glitz and glamor of your life…what’s the most important thing they don’t see that they should know?

A lot of people just see the lights, the cameras, and the glitz to what I do. It’s hard work. You pretty much give up your regular life to make sure others are safe. I’m thankful that Floyd is nothing but a good friend and he doesn’t always make it feel like work although we work very hard. With this line of work, you can’t really schedule anything or go to dinner or to the movies without possibly getting a call. If Floyd needs us, we are there. This is a 24/7 lifestyle and career. That includes holidays as well. People don’t see the everyday things we deal with such as threats, working day and night, traveling with barely any sleep and sometimes not eating. It can be a very high stress job. However, I always try and just post the positives, because this life is a blessing. But, there’s levels to this and what we do.

What’s coming up for you next?

I’m considering potentially enlisting in the reserves for the military. Now that I am a citizen of the United States, I would like to offer my services if possible. If not, I want to give back to this country in another capacity. I’m a proud citizen. I will also strive to become the best real estate agent in Las Vegas and continue to help Floyd where he needs me. I’m very excited and grateful for what’s to come.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Instagram @greg_tmt and on Twitter @glarosa80. A landing page for my real estate will be coming soon.

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Tags: bodyguard, Celebrity, Floyd Mayweather, Greg La Rosa, real estate

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.