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.