Floyd Mayweather Jr. insists his fight Saturday night against Andre Berto will be the last of his legendary, 18-year pro career.
Mayweather?s retirement proclamation mostly has been met with cynicism. Skeptics think someone completely consumed with money is making entirely too much cash to walk away now.
By the time the Berto bout ends, Mayweather will have earned well over $400 million since signing a six-fight, 30-month contract with CBS/Showtime in February 2013. Beyond banking tens of millions more for continuing to fight, history seemingly could postpone Mayweather?s retirement.
Beating Berto, a huge underdog, would improve the Grand Rapids, Mich., native?s record to 49-0. That would tie him with Rocky Marciano, the celebrated heavyweight champion who retired at 49-0 following a September 1955 knockout of Archie Moore, for the most wins without a loss.
Mayweather maintains those numbers don?t take into account what has become increasingly more important to him than anything ? his health ? as Mayweather watches the physical deterioration of his uncle/trainer Roger Mayweather. While still the best boxer in the world at 38, the younger Mayweather understands he cannot continue dominating forever.
“No one is in my shoes,” Mayweather said on a conference call last week. “I think my health is more important. You stay around anything too long, anything can happen. I?m not really worried about losing. But I want to have a sharp mind. ? You can make a lot of money, but you still want to be able to talk, walk and have a sharp mind.”
Roger Mayweather, a former WBC 140-pound champion, fought professionally for 18 years, from 1981-99.
He was very successful, though not nearly as adept defensively as his masterful nephew. He lost by knockout five times, took too much punishment, and should?ve retired long before he was 38.
At 54, Roger Mayweather suffers from diabetes and diminished eyesight. He has difficulty speaking and performing physical tasks.
Floyd Mayweather Sr., whom Roger replaced as Floyd Jr.?s head trainer when Mayweather Sr. was imprisoned during the 1990s, has resumed control from Roger.
The younger Mayweather admits his uncle?s suffering has dramatically impacted him, making him think more about his health than his wealth.
We won?t know for quite some time if Mayweather means it when he says Saturday night will mark the last time he fights. We do know his uncle?s condition is all the incentive he should need to remain retired.
