Floyd Mayweather competed in eight exhibition matches after retiring from pro boxing in 2017. Mayweather’s last exhibition bout took place on August 24th at the Mexico City Arena in Mexico City against John Gotti III. The 47-year-old boxer came under fire from fans after switching the referee in round 2.
Oscar De La Hoya said that Mayweather should stop embarrassing his legacy with exhibition matches.
On Instagram, Floyd Mayweather stated that exhibition matches generate him multi-million dollars. Mayweather added that exhibition bouts are the only way for fans young and old to see his legacy.
“Retirement isn’t about slowing down, it’s about living on your own terms. I’ve worked hard to build a life where I can choose my adventures, and if those adventures still bring in multi-millions, even better! Success isn’t something you retire from it’s something you refine. Exhibitions are my way of giving my fans, old and new, the opportunity to witness my greatness on any stage I choose. That’s what any successful businessman and boss would do. It’s okay for Jeff Bezos, who is 60, Bill Gates at 68, and Warren Buffett at 93, to continuously build their legacies and wealth, and they’re celebrated as smart businessmen. But when I, a Black man far younger in age, choose to do the same, somehow it becomes a problem for naysayers with nothing to their name. Bottom line, there’s too many of you busy pocket watching, while I’m busy still creating wealth and legacy.”