Why did Mayweather retire in 2008?

[sentax]

What was the deal with his first retirement in 2008? He was only 31 at the time and still well within his prime.

I read him saying he was looking "beyond money" in his decision at the time, which doesn't sound like Floyd at all. So was there a real reason?

[bballchump11]

Mental and physical fatigue from boxing his whole life.

[Vasyl’s dad]

The pressure to fight either guy scared him. After beating Hatton, he said, “Im not trying to fight no welterweights.”

[DuckAdonis]

Letting other guys beat each other is my only other guess

[Vasyl’s dad]

Mental and physical fatigue from boxing his whole life.

Most boxers are life long fighters. That excuse doesnt cut it.

[nacho daddy]

Letting other guys beat each other is my only other guess

you got it

[travestyny]

Good question.

At first it seemed like he was unhappy with the terms of the De La Hoya rematch. Probably felt some way about Hoya getting more than Floyd thought he deserved because I'm thinking Hoya is still the cash cow head to head vs. Floyd and could still get the gloves he wants, size ring he wants, the money he wants, etc.

But if I'm not mistaken, Floyd in an interview said it wasn't about that at all. I think he said something about just being bored with boxing.

Take that with a grain of salt, but that's how I remember it going.

[Hatesrats]

[bballchump11]

Most boxers are life long fighters. That excuse doesnt cut it.

Watch the Hatton 24/7. Floyd was dealing with multiple injuries at the time and his hands were breaking down. On top of that, he fell out of love for the sport. That break gave him time to heal his body, regain his passion and blow some money.

[Vasyl’s dad]

Watch the Hatton 24/7. Floyd was dealing with multiple injuries at the time and his hands were breaking down. On top of that, he fell out of love for the sport. That break gave him time to heal his body, regain his passion and blow some money.

Again, simple excuses. The reality is, he was being pressured into fighting either guy, both who were long, volume punchers with stamina to match. He said it himself, “im not trying to fight no welterweights.”