Floyd Mayweather apologizes for Instagram post mocking Oscar De La Hoya's addiction battle

Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s differences with Oscar de la Hoya stem from a close fight back in 2007, and teetotaller Mayweather has repeatedly criticized De La Hoya's hard-partying ways.

“Oscar ... likes to run around with this 'Golden Boy' image, which we know really is [false]," the 36-year-old American boxer told the Los Angeles Times earlier this month. "He’s always been jealous of me. I’m the total package.”

But Mayweather appeared to take his beef with De La Hoya to the next level on Monday when one of his Instagram posts (seen at right) mocked the 40-year-old retired boxer's struggle with cocaine and alcohol addiction.

Mayweather apologized for meme on Tuesday, saying that he had not authorized anyone to add the post to his Instagram account.

“It’s unfortunate that a stupid picture was posted to my Instagram account earlier today that was not posted by me or authorized by me to post,” Mayweather said in a statement sent to reporters and posted to Instagram.

The meme refers to De La Hoya's claim that he had given Canelo Alvarez a "blueprint" for victory in last weekend's fight against Mayweather. Mayweather won handily.

“As I clearly stated during my fight week and again in the post-fight press conference, I completely support Oscar De La Hoya and his family during this difficult time in his life,” Mayweather said. “Although we have had our differences in the past, I stand by him unconditionally and would never personally disrespect him or anyone else who struggles with addiction.

"I apologize to Oscar and his family for this posting. I wish him well and am rooting for him to win his fight, too. I also apologize to all of my followers for this ridiculous post," he added. "I have no ill will towards anyone and have repeatedly stated that I only seek positivity in my life and for others.”