After 19 years of boxing, Floyd Mayweather has gracefully bowed out of the ring. He capped a remarkable career with a typical Mayweather fight Saturday night, by frustrating and defeating Andre Berto on his way to a decision so lopsided one judge gave him every round.
The $32 million he earned was pocket change compared to what he got for Manny Pacquiao in his last fight. But the more important number was win No. 49 in the final fight of his unblemished career, tying the mark of the late heavyweight champion, Rocky Marciano. He has been undefeated in 49 fights.
Mayweather had vowed to give fans an action fight in his last bout, after being criticized for fighting defensively in his win over Manny Pacquiao. He did trade punches with Berto on several occasions, but never stayed in the pocket long enough for Berto to find his mark.
Mayweather complained to his father in the corner during the fight that he hurt his hand, but said since he is retiring it didn't matter.
"You gotta know when to go. I've had a great career," Mayweather said. "I'm leaving with all my faculties. I feel like I'm smart and sharp."
"What can I say, I was the better man tonight," Mayweather said
Mayweather added to his pay-per-view riches once again, and once again he didn't seem to have to work too hard to make it. Berto, who had lost three of his last six fights, tried to make it a fight but his punches were wide and mostly missed their marks.
"I pushed him to the limit," Berto said. "But he was just better."
If Mayweather retires it will end a career that saw him become a pay-per-view star and earn more money than any boxer before him. Though most in boxing believe he will some day fight again, the 38-year-old said he had plenty of money and his health is more important than chasing records.
"I've accomplished everything," Mayweather said. "I've done everything in my sport."
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