Hundreds of tickets were still available Friday less than 24 hours before Floyd Mayweather's welterweight world title defense, an embarrassing blow to the champion for what he says will be his last fight.
It is in stark contrast to the feverish anticipation for May's showdown with Manny Pacquiao, when all seats at the MGM Grand were snapped up in mere minutes.
Mayweather has attempted to drum up interest in Saturday's bout at the same venue in Las Vegas by declaring challenger Andre Berto -- rated by many pundits as a massive underdog -- a genuine threat.
Berto's respected trainer, Virgil Hunter, has talked up "personal issues" between the two fighters.
But it would appear that the paying public are not buying it.
The lukewarm interest from fight fans will be particularly galling for Mayweather, 38, because victory over Berto would put him equal with heavy legend Rocky Marciano with a perfect 49-0 record.
Former champion Danny Garcia is also unbeaten and has designs on a Mayweather match-up. Because of the heavy tax that Mayweather has to pay, Garcia is confident that he'll continue to fight.
"I don't think it's going to be his last fight. If he has to pay taxes on that $250 million (in earnings for the fight against Manny Pacquiao) we are going to see him next year right back in the ring. Floyd's a rich man and has made a lot of money. He knows what he's doing."
Garcia, who has a record of 31-0; 18, said Berto’s best chance would be to catch the champion with a big shot.
"But if Floyd goes in there and is Floyd, then I think he can probably stop Berto," said Garcia. "I think it'll be about seventh round. Floyd will probably stop him."
