Floyd Mayweather retires following easy victory over Andre Berto
If Saturday did indeed mark the end of an often brilliant, always controversial boxing career, Floyd Mayweather couldn't have asked for a more fitting performance.
The 38-year-old frustrated, taunted, and toyed with an overmatched Andre Berto to almost comical proportions, effortlessly matching Rocky Marciano's hallowed 49-0 record en route to a lopsided decision win, then confirmed his retirement in the ring.
"You've got to know when to hang it up," Mayweather said. "I think it's about time for me to hang it up. I'm knocking at the door now, I'm close to 40 years old. I've been in this sport 19 years. I've been a world champion 18 years. I broke all the records. There's nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing."
Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs) was as elusive as ever, and early on it became obvious that Berto was outmatched. The result ended up being a total clinic, with Mayweather outlanding Berto 232/410 punches to just 83/495.
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Mayweather allowed Berto to walk him into the ropes for long stretches of the fight, but Berto often played things tight and couldn't get anything going.
The challenger ultimately landed a meager 17-percent of his punches, while Mayweather had no problem connecting whenever he decided to emerge from his shell, outpacing Berto by over 100 power punches and making a convincing case to sweep all the rounds on the scorecards.
In the end, three ringside judges saw it 117-111, 118-110, and 120-108 for Mayweather. MMA Fighting scored it 120-108 for the champ.
If Mayweather stays true to his word, he now hangs up his gloves with his legacy intact, widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive fighters the sport has ever seen.
"I'm financially secure and I'm in good health. I'm looking forward to finding the next Floyd Mayweather and seeing someone break all these records I set," he said.
"I want to thank all the fans who came out to support this event. For 19 years, I wouldn't be able to do it without these fans. These immaculate, beautiful fans. Thank you."