49 and out? Floyd Mayweather set to retire with mismatch against Andre Berto next month
31-year-old opponent has lost three of his last six fights
Floyd Mayweather Jr will return to the ring for the first time since boxing’s richest fight ever, facing Andre Berto on September 12 in what he has said will be his final fight.
The welterweight title bout doesn’t figure to be nearly as lucrative as Mayweather’s May 2 fight with Manny Pacquiao that earned him a reported US$220 million. But it will still be sold on pay-per-view, even though Mayweather will be an overwhelming favourite to win for the 49th time in as many fights as a pro.
Berto, a 2004 Olympian, was once thought of as a rising star but has lost three of his last six fights. Two of those losses were to Robert Guerrero and Victor Ortiz, fighters that Mayweather beat easily.
“I always bring my A-game and this fight against Andre Berto is no exception,” Mayweather said in announcing the bout. “He’s a young, strong fighter who is hungry to take down the best. Forty-eight have tried before and on September 12, I’m going to make it 49.”
The fight is the last in a six-bout deal that Mayweather has with the Showtime network, and Mayweather has said repeatedly he will retire when the deal is finished. The 38-year-old retired once before, but came back to fight after taking a short break.