In a press conference on Wednesday to promote his upcoming fight, Mayweather said his fight against Berto would be his last. But he also said: “Nobody knows what the future holds.”
Mayweather is on the tail-end of his $200 million six-fight contract with CBS/Showtime and he has said repeatedly that his next fight would be his last.
But now he seems to be sending a mixed signal about his retirement plan. His “nobody knows” statement indicates that he isn’t closing the door for future fights that will cement his legacy in the sport.
A win against Berto would only give Mayweather an equal footing with Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 career record. Another win would be a record breaker in the history of boxing. If that happens, Mayweather will be the first boxer in history to retire at 50-0 to eclipse Marciano’s record.
The fighter’s father and trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., certainly knows his son well. He also knows that certain things influence people in decision-making based on prevailing situations.
“Things motivate people,” Mayweather Sr. said. “Myself, I would say yes . . . I believe he’ll continue to fight after this.”
Only last month, Floyd Sr said it would be best for his son to retire if he continues to take easy fights. Now he’s saying his son would probably continue fighting.
Mayweather may have realized that taking easy fights isn’t good for his legacy which is the reason why he is keeping his options open.