Despite Manny Pacquiao calling out Floyd Mayweather to a rematch and a large payday almost a guarantee should the two boxers fight again, Leonard Ellerbe believes Mayweather is staying retired.
After Pacquiao defeated Adrien Broner to retain his WBA "Regular" welterweight title, Pacquiao issued a challenge to Mayweather. Mayweather did not respond to Pacquiao's challenge and Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, believes the undefeated boxer won't be coming back. Speaking to the media after the fight, Ellerbe said Mayweather has no interest in fighting.
“No, he’s retired. He has no interest in doing that,” Ellerbe said.
If Mayweather has a change of heart, this wouldn't be the first time Mayweather has retired only to come back for a big payday. Mayweather retired in 2016 in the aftermath of his win over Andre Berto only to return in 2017 to fight Conor McGregor in a highly lucrative boxing fight in Las Vegas.
Regarding Mayweather's past of coming out of retirement, Ellerbe said there's no need for him to come back for more money if he won't be around to spend his wealth. Ellerbe added that Mayweather is turning 42 years old and no longer has the desire to box professionally.
“Well, it’s not always about the money. Believe it or not, it's not always about the money. What more can the man do? You know, he doesn’t have the motivation, the desire. You know, he’s living his best life traveling, running his multiple businesses, spending his well, hard-earned earnings that he spent blood, sweat and tears many, many years. Well, he’ll be 42 come February 24 and, you know, enough is enough. What good does it do you to earn all that money, when you can’t stick around and spend it? You know, he’s had a phenomenal career. He’s broke all the records, you know? He has nothing else to prove. I’m very happy for him," Ellerbe said.
Mayweather would come back to the ring several weeks back at a Rizin event, fighting Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a three-round exhibition boxing match. Mayweather would stop Nasukawa late in the first round of the bout after knocking him down three times.
