After 19 illustrious years in the ring, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. has ended his boxing career.
His win on Saturday, Sept. 12 over former two-time champion Andre Berto–with a 12-round unanimous decision–at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena was the finishing touch.
Mayweather’s perfect 49-0 record now matches that of late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.
“You gotta know when to go. I’ve had a great career,” Mayweather told Showtime’s Jim Gray after the fight. “I’m knocking at the door; I’m close to 40 years old. I’m leaving the sport with all my faculties; I’m still sharp and smart. I’ve accomplished everything in this sport–there’s nothing else to accomplish.”
“I’ve been in this sport 19 years, been a world champion 18 years, broke all the records. There’s nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing,” he added, on his pro career that began in 1996, with 26 KOs.
The $32 million Mayweather earned over the weekend was only pocket change, compared to the amount he earned after his last fight, the “Fight of the Century” against Manny Pacquiao. The May 2nd match was also one of the most expensive sports events in boxing history, with a record US Pay-Per-View revenue of $400 million.
“Money doesn’t make me. I make money,” Mayweather said on Saturday night. “I don’t want to rank myself, but I am the best at boxing.”
His last and 26th title fight against Berto proved tricky, with Mayweather using his usual defensive tactics (sharp jabs, quick counter punches) to frustrate and weaken his opponent. By the later rounds, Mayweather was both talking to and taunting Berto (whose career is 30-4), who kept throwing missed punches.
“I pushed [Floyd] to the limit,” Berto said flatly. “But he was just better. I was in great shape but it was difficult to fight him. He was really, really slippery.”
In the final seconds of the fight, Mayweather did a victory lap around the ring, as a crowd of thousands stood and cheered.
Mayweather’s final scores were 120-108, 118-110 and 117-111, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
After receiving much criticism for fighting defensively in his win after the Pacquiao match, as well as recent controversy over his welterweight title and doping allegations, Mayweather promised fans a fair, action-packed fight.
Thanking his fans and supporters, he said he “wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
“Experience played a big part in this fight,’’ he added. ”I want to thank my entire team, my family, and all of Haiti that is watching.”
Though many boxing fans believe Mayweather will soon return to the ring, the 38-year-old said he had plenty of money, and that “his health is more important” than chasing records.
“My 49-0 record is a part of boxing. Records are made to be broken. Hopefully someday we can find the next Floyd Mayweather.”
