Andre Berto has reacted to speculation over Floyd Mayweather’s possible return to the ring, the debate surrounding a Manny Pacquiao rematch, and rumors about the unbeaten champion’s finances.
Berto knows Mayweather better than most, with their relationship dating back decades. The former two-time welterweight champion also faced Mayweather in what proved to be the final professional bout of the superstar’s career in 2015.
More than ten years later, Mayweather is back in the headlines ahead of his confirmed September rematch with Manny Pacquiao.
Floyd Mayweather comeback
Speaking exclusively to WBN, Berto believes Mayweather’s ability and ring IQ would still allow him to compete under the right circumstances.
“With Mayweather’s situation it looks like he still tries to stay in shape,” Berto told World Boxing News on Mayweather competing in a Greek exhibition before facing Manny Pacquiao in September.
“A lot of people are trying to figure out the reasons why he is coming back. There is a lot of speculation out there. But he has the name, he has the credibility, and I believe as long as he stays in his realm of fighting an older Pacquiao or fighting someone else that’s not going to try to press or push on that older gas tank then I think he should be alright because he still has an amazing boxing IQ and he can get away with a lot.”
Talk of a Mayweather return resurfaced following the confirmation of a long-discussed rematch with Pacquiao for this year.
Pacquiao has already insisted the event should be a genuine professional contest rather than an exhibition, telling media it is a “real fight or nothing” as contradictions surrounding the event continue.
The Filipino icon later issued a statement clarifying that the agreement he signed was intended to be a fully sanctioned professional bout rather than a showcase event, addressing what he described as misinformation surrounding the fight.
Pacquiao rematch stakes
For Berto, the biggest factor in selling the fight to fans could come down to whether Mayweather is willing to risk his famous undefeated record.
“Yeah I think that’s a thing that’s gonna be able to really sell the fight,” Berto said.
“If he is going to put that record up. Fans don’t really care too much about the exhibitions, I mean they will still watch but they want to know that there is something a bit bigger on the line.”
“That’s something that Mayweather has held tight, it’s what separates him from the rest and if he puts that up that’s something that everyone is going to want to watch.”
Whether Mayweather will risk his 50-0 record is set to be confirmed this week following pressure from Pacquiao.
Money rumors
Berto was also asked about reports suggesting Mayweather may have spent a significant portion of his career earnings amid owed tax filings and claims of unpaid bills.
The former champion offered a measured response based on his long-standing relationship with Mayweather.
“That’s the facade of Money Mayweather,” Berto said.
“Ever since I have known him since he was fifteen years old he has always been a flashy guy and as you continue to get bigger and make more money expenses are going to get higher.”
“He takes pride in being the boss and paying for everything. But once you stop fighting and the income stops coming in then you start to feel it.”
“So I hope that’s not the case for him because it would be a sad story.”
Berto remains closely linked to Mayweather as number 49 of the unbeaten champion’s original professional career.
Mayweather defeated Berto by unanimous decision as he equaled Rocky Marciano’s record before announcing his retirement from the sport. He later returned to beat Conor McGregor to reach the magical 50.
Whether Pacquiao gets the chance to drop Mayweather to 50-1 remains to be seen.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.