Boxing
Andre Berto talks about Floyd Mayweather’s return, rematch with Pacquiao and financial rumors
Andre Berto reacted to speculations about Floyd Mayweather’s possible return to the ring, the debate surrounding the rematch with Manny Pacquiao and rumors about the undefeated champion’s finances.
Berto knows Mayweather better than most, and their relationship goes back decades. The former two-time welterweight champion also faced Mayweather in the last professional fight of the superstar’s career in 2015.
More than a decade later, Mayweather is back in the headlines ahead of his confirmed September rematch with Manny Pacquiao.
The return of Floyd Mayweather
Speaking exclusively to WBN, Berto believes Mayweather’s skills and in-ring IQ will still allow him to compete under the right circumstances.
“Given Mayweather’s situation, it looks like he’s still trying to stay in shape,” Berto told World Boxing News about Mayweather’s performance at the Greek exhibition before his fight with Manny Pacquiao in September.
“A lot of people are trying to understand the reasons for his return. There’s a lot of speculation. But he’s got the name, he’s got the credibility, and I believe that as long as he stays in his circle to fight the older Pacquiao or fight someone else who isn’t trying to push or pressure that older gas tank, I think he should be fine because he still has an amazing boxing IQ and can get away with a lot.”
Discussions about Mayweather’s return have resurfaced following the confirmation of a long-discussed rematch with Pacquiao this year.
Pacquiao has already insisted that the event will be a true professional competition and not an exhibition, telling the media that it is a “real fight or nothing” as contradictions around the event persist.
The Filipino icon later released a statement clarifying that the contract he signed was intended to be a fully sanctioned professional fight and not an exhibition event, addressing what he described as misinformation about the fight.
Pacquiao rematch at stake
For Berto, the most crucial factor in selling the fight to fans may be whether Mayweather is willing to risk his celebrated undefeated record.
“Yes, I think that’s something that will really sell this fight,” Berto said.
“If he’s going to put this record out. Fans don’t really care that much about exhibitions, I mean they’ll still watch, but they want to know there’s something bigger at stake.”
“It’s something that Mayweather holds on to strongly, it’s what sets him apart from the rest and if he says it, it’s something that everyone will want to watch.”
Whether Mayweather will risk a 50-0 record will be confirmed this week after pressure from Pacquiao.
Money gossip
Berto was also asked about reports suggesting that Mayweather may have spent a significant portion of his earnings on outstanding tax returns and claims of unpaid bills.
The former champion gave a measured answer, drawing on his long-standing relationship with Mayweather.
“It’s a façade for Money Mayweather,” Berto said.
“For as long as I’ve known him, since he was fifteen, he’s always been a brilliant guy, and as you get bigger and make more money, your expenses will get higher and higher.”
“He takes pride in being the boss and paying for everything. But when you stop fighting and the income stops coming in, you start to feel it.”
So I hope that doesn’t happen because it would be a depressed story.”
Berto remains closely associated with Mayweather and is ranked 49th in the undefeated champion’s original professional career.
Mayweather defeated Berto by unanimous decision, equaling Rocky Marciano’s record, before announcing his retirement from the sport. He later came back to defeat Conor McGregor and reach the magical 50.
It remains to be seen whether Pacquiao will get a chance to beat Mayweather to 50-1.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
Terence Crawford left boxing undefeated with little to prove, and yet Mauricio Sulaimán reignited an senior feud, describing the former champion’s retirement as “cowardly” in an interview this week.
“Fight in September for the world title. He has many options: Benavidez, Charlo, a rematch with Crawford, who cowardly retired, Bivol and Beterbiev. He is in a position where he can choose,” WBC president Sulaiman told Tiempo Extra.
This seems like a more personal than professional paperwork dispute. Sulaimán’s “cowardly” comment is clearly payback for the bridge Crawford burned on his way out.
When Crawford defeated Canelo in September 2025, he effectively retired as “King of the Hill” and then told the Neighborhood Association (WBC) that their membership dues were a scam.
During his Instagram Live tirade, Crawford refused to pay and devalued the entire existence of the WBC. Calling the eminent green belt a “trophy” that “doesn’t mean shit” is a direct attack on Sulaimán’s legacy and the prestige he strives to maintain for the WBC.
The WBC says it lowered its usual 3% commission to 0.6% ($300,000) to be “fair” and Crawford still hasn’t moved on it. By paying the other three organizations (WBA, IBF, WBO) but freezing the WBC, Crawford singled them out as the only organization he felt was not worth his money.
Crawford clearly stated that The Ring belt is a “real belt” because it is free. This is a nightmare for sanctioning bodies because it encourages other stars to realize that they don’t actually need pricey “alphabet” titles from sanctioning bodies to be considered the best.
Calling a 42-0 fighter who has just been promoted and trained by Canelo a “coward” is objectively absurd in a boxing sense. However, in Sulaimán’s language, “cowardly” likely refers to Crawford’s refusal to “stand and fight” in the boardroom.
By retiring, Crawford prevented the WBC from receiving the $300,000 he already owed them for the belt. Additionally, his retirement meant future billing for the massive Crawford vs. Benavidez or Crawford vs. Bivol.
It also prevented the WBC from formally stripping him as a punishment while he was still energetic.
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Last updated: 23/04/2026 at 12:28
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