BY TIM PARSONS
Unbeaten American talent, Floyd Mayweather will be one fight away from making history if he beats Andre Berto , 30-3 (23) on September 12 in Las Vegas. His record will grow to to 49-0 , matching the record of Rocky Marciano who went unbeaten in as many fights before hanging up his gloves. Widespread speculation he will fight again to beat that record and make history has been played down by Mayweather, who claims he is looking forward to hanging up his gloves.
“Nobody knows what the future holds, but right now, I’m cool and comfortable and having no second thoughts at all about retirement, he said at a press conference.
“I had a good career, I won every world title, but boxing is wear and tear on the body. It’s time to hang ’em up. I’m looking forward to working with some up-and-coming kids, going on walks, and taking vacations.
“Boxing has always been work to me, a job. If I could say anything to a youngster taking up boxing it would be to ‘be smart and not take a lot of punches’.
“It’s called the sweet science for a reason. Hit and not be hit, make a lot of money without taking a lot of punishment. That’s what it’s about.
“All 48 of my fights have been hard. None have been easy. All played a major key. It’s the ‘Mayweather Era.’ I feel that every fighter is an artist and they all take pictures their own way. I’m just one of the very best artists.”
“Berto can fight. He’s a two-time champion. He’s hungry. He comes to wage a war. I expect a hell of a fight out of him.”
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe also reiterated the intention to call time and highlighted the commitment shown by ‘Money’ over nearly 19 years in the sport.
Mayweather has undoubtedly achieved the unthinkable in boxing, and has one of the most magical technics in the sport embodied in his defensive wizardry. However, his fights are not always exciting and his last victory against Manny Pacquao was unimpressive and not worth the crazy amount he got paid for it. legacy will always be tainted by the fact he avoided the best if he goes out on this next fight. Berto is no push over and can possibly pull off the upset, but this is unlikely. The money man who is adept in protecting himself, and staying out of trouble, needs to fight the best to go down as the best. He can fool casual fans who are not that knowledgeable about the sport, but insiders know that despite his exceeding triumphs in the sport by winning world titles at different divisions, he still seems to be shying away from facing the best his division has to offer.
Many believe the man he should face is Kelly Brooks, especially a she has a world title belt, is young, unbeaten, and explosive. Amir khan is another opponent Mayweather seems to be avoiding even though most people will not give Khan a chance of pulling off the upset. The fact remains that khan is one of the quickest men in that division with really fast hands and feet that can cause Mayweather problems. The American has never faced anyone that quick, even though it is safe to conclude that he will most likely emerge the winner of an entertaining fight between himself and Khan. khan will easily be an underdog, but a live one nevertheless.
In the case of Kelly Brooks, he is dangerous for Mayweather. Knowledgeable fans and observers at best will make such an affair a 50-50 one because Brooks can really bang, and is reasonably quick too. May weather must stop trying to pull the wall over our faces and step up to the plate if he really wants to be remembered as a great. There is no way any sportsman would not want to make history if it meant taking just one more fight, unless they were really scared of something.
CEO Ellerbe said: “Floyd could fight as long as he wants, if that were what he wanted to do. People don’t understand what goes into his craft. He trains around the clock. He’s given his life to his career. He’s ready to ride off on to the next phase of his life. He’s earned that right.
“We made a commitment and we are following his contract. Besides, how much is enough? How much can one ask of somebody? How much more can he make?
“This will be Floyd’s last fight. I’m very excited for him. He’s done it his way. He’s had an illustrious career and I know he’s very comfortable with what he’s been able to accomplish.”
Oh be quiet, and stop being a puppet for your rich paymaster! We are proud of his achievements too , but not excited about his next fight, Ellerbe. He needs to fight and beat Kelly Brooks to make any talk of an illustrious career powerful. He is trying to avoid a real test, but resign with a crown on his head. He won’t get no crown for real boxing analysts.
