Floyd Mayweather Jr. has made it clear that he is done with professional boxing and not even the promise of a big payday, like battling with Manny Pacquiao again, will convince him to interrupt his retirement. The American is willing to pick a fight but only for exhibition purposes.
It makes sense for Mayweather to keep out of the sport that brought him fame and fortune. His hundreds of millions can last several lifetimes and his boxing record is unblemished at 50-0. The motivation to sweat for that one last big fight would be hard to muster for Mayweather, whose focus these days is to relish his success and inspire.
CNN reported that the fighter is more inclined to stay healthy than take a risk if only to keep padding his already swelling bank account.
"I'm 100% sure that I'm not fighting against any boxer anymore. So, that's out of the question," Mayweather declared.
He added: "My faculties mean a lot to me. Money don't make me, I make money and my health is more important than money."
If the former pound-for-pound king will not experience a change of heart anytime soon, his latest statement can be construed as the final word in the much-touted second showdown with Pacquiao. The two boxing legends first clashed in May 2015 and the money generated fanned speculations that a rematch is happening.
Yet for Mayweather, his time in the ring as a professional boxer is long gone. According to World Boxing News, the undefeated champion drove the final nail in the dreamed Mayweather vs. Pacquaio 2. The 43-year-old does not intend to climb atop the ring, seemingly convinced that as a boxer there's just nothing to prove anymore.
Now while duking it out with Pacquiao or any other boxing superstars doesn't excite him anymore, Mayweather said he still has the gas to fight and face a foe in the ring but all for show. The boxing millionaire allowed he is ready to do another Conor McGregor.
An astute businessman, Mayweather knew that keeping his door open for possible fight dates with MMA superstars will further increase his fortune. The last outing with McGregor in 2017 saw Mayweather pocketing an estimated $275 million for a few minutes of work, and if he could set one or a few more of such lucrative showdowns then he is indeed set for a life of nearly unlimited luxury.
It's understandable then for Mayweather to say he is "absolutely" open for more meetups with MMA stars and in doing so, he is firing up the speculations of fighting again the Irishman. Or the boxing icon can arrange instead a blockbuster duel with his counterpart in the UFC, that is Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The Russian fighter announced his retirement recently after collecting his win No. 29 and the two stepping back on the ring will make for a thrilling mega-fight, and of course a huge money-spinner for both fighters.
