By Carlos Boogs
WBC/WBA welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. is insisting that his upcoming fight with Andre Berto will be the final fight of his pro career, according to Stephen Espinoza, executive vice president and general manager for Showtime Sports.
There have been industry rumors that Showtime/CBS is negotiating a three fight contract extension with Mayweather - a rumor that Espinoza denied last week to BoxingScene.com.
Facing Berto on September 12th will be Mayweather's final contractual obligation to the multi-fight deal with CBS/Showtime.
Mayweather will be a free agent once September 13th comes around, and he told Showtime in no uncertain terms that he won't again beyond his next ring appearance.
Espinoza admits that he's surprised with Mayweather's solidified position on walking away from the sport when there is so much more money to be made.
"Floyd has been completely consistent and hasn't wavered a bit in saying this is his last fight," said Espinoza. "He's still arguably the best fighter in the sport so it's somewhat surprising for him to step away now but I've never heard him say anything other than this will be his last."