Countdown to showdown: Mayweather holds retirement plans
Floyd Mayweather has revealed that he will enter the ring just one more time after his May 2nd mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The 38-year-old undefeated American will fulfil the sixth and final bout of his current Showtime contract but he has outlined possible retirement plans, having stated he has become disillusioned with the sport that he has mastered in his career.
‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd, 7/1 with Coral to win by knock-out or TKO, is now expected to hang up his gloves later this year, following his super showdown with Filipino ‘Pacman’, in what is expected to be the highest grossing boxing encounter of all time.
‘Money’ Mayweather has been a dominant force since capturing a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, holding a superior 47-0 fight record, having become a five-division world champion and boasting 10 world titles from four different weight classes.
Although, it seems the defensively-astute orthodox puncher is nearing the end of his established fighting career, outlining only two more ring outings this year.
“I’m pretty much done with all this. It’s not fun like it was back then. It’s business now. I don’t really enjoy it any longer. I’ll fight a final one at the MGM Grand in September,” said Mayweather.
However, Pacquiao will unquestionably be the unbeaten fighter’s toughest test to date, with the ferocious Filipino holding the best chance of finally succumbing Mayweather to defeat. Despite immense hype surrounding the bout, the astute American isn’t getting excited about the Las Vegas showdown.
“I’m not excited. This is another fight for me. Yeah it’s big but basically it’s no different from all the others. Once we get in that ring it’s a level playing field,” he continued.
“I’m calm, smooth, calculated and thinking five steps ahead of any opponent. But can [Pacquiao] adjust? He’s a reckless fighter.
“We saw that when he got knocked out by [Juan Manuel] Marquez. If I fought as reckless as Manny. I wouldn’t be here today. I’d be beaten up, worn out. I’ve controlled my fights.”
Despite ‘Pretty Boy’ stating a desire to end his prestigious fighting career this year, Floyd Mayweather Senior believes that his son could keep going in an effort to overcome Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0.
“After this fight, right here, he has one more fight. But I’m gonna say that, as when he’s done with this fight right here, I think he may retire with Rocky Marciano’s record now,” he said.
A win over ‘Pacman’, along with another triumph later in the year, would put Mayweather on equal ground with Marciano’s record, having retired undefeated in 1956. But Mayweather Senior has revealed his offspring’s possible motivation to attempt to topple that long-standing record.
“Sometimes greed overcomes common sense. I’m just saying that. I’m not saying my son is greedy because my son has enough money. I’m not in Floyd’s mind. I don’t know what Floyd is thinking. The only thing I’m going to tell you is now, like I said, greed overcomes common sense,” he continued.
“I think he might do it, but myself personally I don’t care if he tries to beat Marciano’s record or not. I just want him to get out safe. He went in great, come out great.”
Pacquiao and Mayweather will meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2, with the Pilipino an 11/2 chance to inflict his opposition with a first ever knock-out.
