Money Maxed… Mayweather Walks

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was brash, cocky, egotistical, grandiloquent, pompous, and verbose. He was self-important and self-indulgent. He was colorful, contentious, and controversial. Universally, Mayweather was not cherished. Yet, he was entertaining.

On Friday, Mayweather retired. “It is with a heavy heart that I write you this message today,” he said. “I have decided to permanently retire from boxing. This decision was not an easy one for me to make as boxing is all I have done since I was a child. However, these past few years have been extremely difficult for me to find the desire and joy to continue in the sport.”

“I have said numerous times and after several of my fights over the past two years that I might not fight again,” he continued. “At the same time, I loved competing and winning and also wanted to continue my career for the fans, knowing they were there for me and enjoyed watching me fight. However, after many sleepless nights and intense soul-searching I realized I could no longer base my decision on anything but my own personal happiness, which I no longer could find. So I have finally made up my mind, spoken to my family, particularly my mother, and made my decision.”

During his career, Mayweather amassed a 39-0 record. He garnered WBC Light Middleweight, WBC Lightweight, IBF Light Welterweight, IBO Light Welterweight, WBC Light Welterweight, and WBC Super Featherweight championships. He vanquished Carlos Baldomir, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton.

“I am sorry I have to leave the sport at this time, knowing I still have my God-given abilities to succeed and future multi-million dollar paydays ahead, including the one right around the corner,” Mayweather said. “But there comes a time when money doesn't matter. I just can't do it anymore. I have found a peace with my decision that I have not felt in a long time.”

Despite his flamboyance, Mayweather merits respect. He was a cartoon. He was also a champion.