Floyd Mayweather, one of boxing’s greatest icons, recently made a statement that has left fans and pundits buzzing: “I’M DONE, THE ERA IS OVER.” This declaration came after back-to-back losses to John Gotti III, a fighter known more for his infamous family name than his boxing prowess. These defeats have sparked discussions about Mayweather’s career, especially his ventures after his initial retirement.
Mayweather, known as “Money,” first retired from professional boxing in 2015, boasting an impeccable 49-0 record. He returned to the ring in 2017 for a high-profile bout against UFC star Conor McGregor, which he won by TKO in the tenth round. This fight alone reportedly earned him over $300 million, cementing his status as one of the highest-earning athletes of all time. Despite officially retiring after the McGregor fight, Mayweather continued to participate in exhibition matches, often against less-experienced opponents, capitalizing on his fame and drawing significant pay-per-view audiences.
However, his recent encounters with John Gotti III have been less triumphant. The first bout ended in controversy, with Mayweather claiming a technical knockout victory. Yet, many fans and analysts felt Gotti had put up a surprisingly strong fight. The rematch was even more shocking, as Gotti managed to secure a decisive win, handing Mayweather a rare defeat. This unexpected outcome led to Mayweather’s statement about his era being over, suggesting a final, perhaps more permanent retirement.
These recent losses to Gotti III mark a significant shift in Mayweather’s post-retirement career. For a boxer who built his legacy on an undefeated record, the back-to-back defeats have been a humbling experience. “I’ve had my time in the spotlight,” Mayweather said in a recent interview. “It’s time for the next generation to shine. I’m grateful for everything boxing has given me, but I have to accept that I’m no longer at my peak.”
Mayweather’s post-retirement fights have been a mix of spectacle and sport. He fought kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018, securing an easy victory in an exhibition match in Japan. In 2021, he faced Logan Paul, a YouTube star with minimal boxing experience, in a bout that ended without a knockout but generated substantial revenue. These fights, while criticized by some purists, underscored Mayweather’s ability to attract attention and money, even in his late 40s.
Financially, Mayweather’s strategy has been undeniably successful. His exhibitions and media appearances have kept him in the public eye and maintained his earnings at a high level. He has ventured into promotions, managing fighters and events, and investing in various business endeavors. Despite the recent setbacks, his financial empire remains robust.
Yet, the consecutive losses to Gotti III have brought a new perspective to his career. They have highlighted the inevitable passage of time and the physical limits that even the greatest athletes face. “I’m done,” Mayweather reiterated, acknowledging that his days of dominating the ring are over.
As Mayweather steps away, the boxing world will remember him not just for his undefeated streak and defensive prowess, but also for his ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant. His final bow, marked by these unexpected defeats, adds a humanizing chapter to his otherwise extraordinary career. While the era of “Money” Mayweather may be over, his legacy in boxing is undoubtedly secure.
