Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has revealed why he still fights ahead of his Mexico exhibition on Saturday.
Mayweather, who nicknamed himself ‘The Best Ever’ during his career, says his 50-0 record and lack of beatings in the ring make it possible for him to continue. Ahead of his clash with John Gotti, Mayweather is happy about his tenure and ability to keep pushing at 47.
“I truly believe that if I took a lot of abuse in the sport of boxing throughout my career, then I probably wouldn’t still be doing exhibitions or putting on boxing showcases,” said the former pound-for-pound king. “I didn’t take no abuse in the sport of boxing, so I feel like I can continue to go out there, have fun, and put on shows worldwide.
“If I was really taking abuse in the sport or I was getting battered, then I don’t think I’d be doing exhibitions. I was able to surround myself with smart individuals. That’s what makes me smart.
“I want to surround myself with a smart team, and I’ve made a lot of smart investments. So, am I doing this for the money? Absolutely not. I’m doing it because this is what I want to do.”
Reminding everybody just how good he was during a career that spanned 21 years as a professional, Mayweather added, “The last time I checked, I’ve beat more fighters that are in the Hall of Fame than any fighter in history, and that’s truly a blessing.”
Mayweather fights Gotti for the second time in what looks to be a mutual money-making scheme for the pair. The veteran believes their second fight may not be their last.
“[Gotti] is a tough competitor, and I take my hat off him. He wants to run it back, so we can run it back twice or three times. It is what it is. I was born to be a fighter. I’m going to die a fighter at the end of the day.”
Mayweather vs Gotti occurs on Saturday night in Mexico City. DAZN will broadcast the event in all territories.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
