After having defeated the who's who of professional boxing, Floyd Mayweather will be seen in action one last time at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday as the pound-for-pound king bouts against Andre Berto. The farewell fight will bring the curtains down on what has been a glittering career, where he has not lost a single bout.
The pound-for-pound king may have been criticised for choosing an opponent such as Berto, who has lost three out of his last six fights, when there were other major contenders like Amir Khan, if he wanted to sign off from the sport on a high.
However, Mayweather will have his eyes on Rocky Marciano's 49-0 record, which has stood for decades now. The American, if he defeats Berto – which looks more than likely – will equal Rocky's record. So there were rumours, which suggested that the boxer might only sign off from the sport after his 50th win, but the champion has made it clear that he will fight Berto last in his career.
"No. 49, this is it. I had a tremendous career. I can go out 48-0 and I'm happy. I'm older, wiser and my health is more important than anything. [Saturday] is my last fight. I'm happy, though. Great career. All 48 fights played a key, but No. 48 [against Pacquiao] was the most important. [Saturday] is my last dance," ESPN quoted Mayweather as saying.
Berto, who is a former welterweight champion, will head into the bout as an underdog, but Mayweather is not going to take his opponent lightly. Berto may have not have an impressive record of late, but one can't turn a blind eye on his career, which witnessed him winning 26 straight bouts, which is no mean feat.
The Haiti-American has a strong jab and his upper cut is also lethal, though one might also add that it has become less venomous now.
Berto will not find it easy against Mayweather, who has a brilliant defense and an added advantage of height and reach as well.
Mayweather has won almost everything that is there to be won in the sport of boxing, which includes his win over Manny Pacquiao, which was regarded as the fight of the century.
Mayweather is expected to make $32 million from his farewell fight, while Berto should be happy with $4 million. This sum seems to be a token amount if compared to pound-for-pound taking home an incredible $250 million from his last fight against Pacquiao.
This fight is not about money, which Mayweather has earned in plenty during his career. It is about his legacy, keeping it intact.
Where to Watch Live
Mayweather vs Berto fight will only take place after three undercard fights, which is scheduled for 8pm ET (5:30am IST, 1am BST) start.
Undercard Fights
Badou Jack vs George Groves
Roman Martinez vs Orlando Salido
Jhonny Gonzalez vs Jonathan Oquendo
However, the main event -- Mayweather vs Berto fight -- is scheduled for 11pm local time (8:30am IST, 4am BST).
Country | TV Broadcaster |
India | Sony Six |
US | Showtime |
Mexico | Azteca |
United Kingdom | Box Nation |
Middle East | Bein Sports |
Australia | Main Event tv |
Germany | Sky Germany |