By Edward Chaykovsky
The fans and the majority of the media have been very critical of Floyd Mayweather's upcoming defense of the WBC/WBA welterweight titles on Showtime Pay-Per-View against Andre Berto. The fight takes place on September 12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Berto, who went 3-3 in his last six fights, is viewed as a massive underdog with some bookmakers sticking him as an 80-1 underdog.
Between the opponent, the pay-per-view price tag of $74.95 for high definition and the fact that Mayweather is stating that he plans to retire afterwards - the amount of criticism has been significant.
Leonard Ellerbe, CEO for Mayweather Promotions, says Floyd is not paying any attention to the critics who are blasting the event. He says Mayweather is only focused on one thing - training and victory.
"That's where Floyd's been able to be very successful -- he doesn't pay attention to the naysayers and what they say," Ellerbe said to Mlive.com. "Floyd's going to prepare, and he's going to do exactly what he needs to do to get up, and come out and put on the best performance.
"You have to remember that everybody who fights Floyd Mayweather has a different kind of motivation. A bigger stage, a different spotlight. And they know that all eyes are on them and it's up to them to do their part."