Floyd Mayweather insists he is having 'no second thoughts' about retiring after his upcoming clash with Andre Berto.
The 38-year-old American will move to 49-0 if he beats his compatriot Berto (30-3-KO23) in Las Vegas on September 12, but despite widespread speculation he will fight again in an attempt to better Rocky Marciano's record, Mayweather is looking forward to hanging up his gloves.
He said: "Nobody knows what the future holds, but right now, I'm cool and comfortable and having no second thoughts at all about retirement.
"I had a good career, I won every world title, but boxing is wear and tear on the body. It's time to hang 'em up. I'm looking forward to working with some up-and-coming kids, going on walks, and taking vacations.
"Boxing has always been work to me, a job. If I could say anything to a youngster taking up boxing it would be to 'be smart and not take a lot of punches'.
"It's called the sweet science for a reason. Hit and not be hit, make a lot of money without taking a lot of punishment. That's what it's about.
"All 48 of my fights have been hard. None have been easy. All played a major key. It's the 'Mayweather Era'. I feel that every fighter is an artist and they all take pictures their own way. I'm just one of the very best artists."
Mayweather again deflected criticism of his choice of opponent for his swansong and predicted another tough night.
"Berto can fight. He's a two-time champion. He's hungry. He comes to wage a war. I expect a hell of a fight out of him."
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe also reiterated the intention to call time and highlighted the commitment shown by 'Money' over nearly 19 years in the sport.
Ellerbe said: "Floyd could fight as long as he wants, if that were what he wanted to do. People don't understand what goes into his craft. He trains around the clock. He's given his life to his career. He's ready to ride off on to the next phase of his life. He's earned that right.
"We made a commitment and we are following his contract. Besides, how much is enough? How much can one ask of somebody? How much more can he make?
"This will be Floyd's last fight. I'm very excited for him. He's done it his way. He's had an illustrious career and I know he's very comfortable with what he's been able to accomplish."
(Sky News)
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