By Carlos Boogs
WBC/WBA welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (48-0, 26KOs) is about two weeks away from what is being promoted as the final fight of his pro career. Mayweather will defend his titles against former WBC/IBF champion Andre Berto on September 12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The CEO of his promotional company, Leonard Ellerbe, believes Mayweather will stick to his guns and remain retired beyond the September date.
Many in the industry expect him to fight again, at least once more, to get his 50th win - which in turn would surpass the 49-0 record of legendary heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.
What if Mayweather, a year from now, comes to Ellerbe and says 'I want to do it one more time.'
"I don't think he'll do that," Ellerbe stated confidently. "September 12th will be his last fight."
After earning $300 million in his record smashing fight against Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd, there was little to no reason to fight Berto in September. According to Ellerbe, they wanted one more fight to finish up Mayweather's exclusive six fight agreement with Showtime/CBS.
"We made a commitment and we are following his contract," Ellerbe said. "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.”
"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.
There have been rumors that CBS, and others, are willing to offer a lot of money for Mayweather to continue his career.
Ellerbe says money will not influence Mayweather to return.
"How much is enough? How much can one ask of somebody? How much more can he make?," Ellerbe asked. “It’s truly remarkable. To be able to walk away on his own terms, to follow his own game plan, is unbelievable. At 38, he’s got a boatload of money in the bank, all his faculties and he did it his way. This is the American Dream."