Floyd Mayweather insists he will call it quits after Saturday’s welterweight world title defence against massive underdog Andre Berto in which victory would give him a perfect 49-0 record.
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But boxing – perhaps more than any other sport – is littered with men who proclaimed they were hanging up their gloves, only to find the lure of one last payday too much to resist.
The unbeaten Mayweather, 38, the self-proclaimed ‘TBE (The Best Ever)’, insists he will not be joining them. But then this is not the first time that he has said he is retiring after two previous claims to be finished with the sport.
This time is different, he says, because he wants to get out of boxing with his health intact and, as the world’s highest-paid athlete, he has enough money to avoid having to work another second for the rest of his life.
“If you stick 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,” said Mayweather, who with victory will also equal a record, drawing level with Rocky Marciano, who himself finished up 49-0.
“Of course, it’s always about self-preservation. I come first but I appreciate the fans. I do. The only thing I can do is believe in myself and believe in my skills. I’m going to be TBE until the day I die.”
The American says now is the time to go because he has nothing more to prove. He also says that he has plenty to occupy him after he stops fighting.
He is already a boxing promoter, has his own clothes line and says he wants to develop his interests in the entertainment and music industry.
Last week, Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, said there had been “signficant” entertainment possibilities for the champion for when he calls it quits, including three “major” movie offers just last week.
“I’ve been approached on numerous occasions (to act) but I’d rather be behind the scenes. I’ve had my time to shine,” added Mayweather.
Many are deeply sceptical of Mayweather’s plans, insisting talk of retirement is a smokescreen ahead of a big money return and bid to go 50-0 next year.
“There are certain people in life who what they say really doesn’t reflect all that much on what they’re going to do or what they think, and he’s one of those people,” said prominent boxing journalist Ivan Goldman.
“I”m guessing he’ll go for the magic number of 50-0. Equaling a record doesn’t sound like him.”
For Berto, a 100-1 outsider with the Las Vegas odds fixers, it is a case of having nothing to lose as most expect him to drop every round.
“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in,” said Berto, who has lost three of his last six fights. “I’m going to bring a combination of speed and power and I believe I have better athletic ability [than Mayweather’s previous opponents].”
