Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Andre Berto will now officially get it on this coming September 12, 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas where Mayweather is an overwhelming favorite to come out on top.
Apart from the fight proper, it will be Mayweather’s attempt to equalize Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record that will be in focus.
Though this is not to render any kind of disrespect towards Berto and what he can show in the ring, the majority believe that Mayweather reaching 49-0 on September 12, 2015 is nothing more than a formality.
Other than the expected outcome and record-tying feat, a question in mind is on whether it will be indeed Mayweather’s swan song.
It is a known fact that Mayweather had announced earlier in the year that this coming bout would be the last in his career, claiming that he would be satisfied with equalling the feat of Rocky Marciano rather than breaking it.
Such was believable at first but that was assuming he would fight a more seasoned fighter, someone who Mayweather himself termed should be ‘solid’.
Now, the real question to ask is perhaps will Mayweather indeed retire after the September 12 bout. Mayweather stands pat on his decision despite majority believing it won’t be his last hurrah.
Mayweather could officially announce his retirement after the match but expect people not to buy it instantly. Retirement is a strong word but there is also another word that is equally strong – comeback.
A comeback could be a lot of things. It could be coming out of retirement or perhaps coming back from injury. So do those two things ring a bell?
It is really a no-brainer that those two meanings are pointing to Mayweather and an old nemesis named Manny Pacquiao.
The two did face off after years of negotiations last May 2, 2015 though the outcome left many disappointed. Mayweather did fight as planned while Pacquiao was not his usual self, made worse when he revealed that he was fighting with an injury.
That left both on opposite ends, practically making a rematch impossible even if Pacquiao does come back healthy in 2016.
Like the coming Mayweather vs. Berto tiff, however, people are not fully convinced that a rematch is far from happening. Using that term (comeback), anything can happen in 2016.
Money will still be a driving factor. Though it may not be as rich like the May 2 match, it can still rack in revenue. Doing some math, imagine one-fourth of that lucrative $200 million pay day (per Forbes.com) would come down to about $50 million.
The real issue right now is all about bragging rights and pride. Mayweather has always wanted to call the shots and if a rematch happens, expect him to make the call.
Pacquiao has also made it public that he doesn’t want a rematch but don’t be surprised if he ends up curtailing on his word.
Hence, it may all boil down to a battle of pride. Will they lower it to stage another fight on even ground?
Majority feel it can happen, especially in 2016.
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