Floyd Mayweather confirms he is retired as 50-0 streak breaks Rocky Marciano's record after Conor McGregor defeat
The 40-year-old hangs up his gloves for a second time after las Vegas victory
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Floyd Mayweather confirmed that he is once again retired after defeating Conor McGregor with a tenth round stoppage in a true boxing masterclass.
Two-weight UFC champion McGregor came flying out of the blocks to take the fight to American Mayweather, with the Irishman claiming the opening two rounds on the scorecards much to everyone’s shock.
But Mayweather stepped the bout up a level and started to take control from the start of the third, and as McGregor tired, the Dubliner was there for the taking with a supreme performance from Mayweather leading to a 10th-round stoppage.
Mayweather and McGregor exchanged positive words afterwards, but despite the allure of another $200m-plus fight to remain active, Mayweather confirmed that 50-0 will be his final record after surpassing Rocky Marciano’s existing record.
"This was my last fight tonight, ladies and gentleman. Tonight was my last fight for sure,” Mayweather said afterwards.
"Tonight, I chose the right dance partner to dance with. Conor McGregor, you're a hell of a champion."
The American also paid tribute to professional boxing debutant McGregor, and believed that his desire to reward the fans following his poor showing against Manny Pacquiao two years ago inspired him to one of his best showings in the last decade.
"He (McGregor) is a tough competitor and I think we gave the fans what they wanted to see. I owed them for the Pacquiao fight,” McGregor added.
"He's a lot better than I thought he was. He was a tough competitor but I was the better man tonight.
"Our game plan was to take our time, let him shoot his heavy shots early and take him down at the end.
"We know that in the MMA he fights 25 minutes real hard. After 25 minutes (tonight) he started to slow down.
"If I'm not mistaken, I guaranteed everybody that this fight wouldn't go the distance. Boxing's reputation was on the line."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments