Doping claims shift spotlight from Mayweather’s ‘last fight’

Undefeated boxer to defend welterweight world title against Berto on Saturday

LAS VEGAS: Floyd Mayweather steps into the ring on Saturday for what he says will be the last time, but the final defence of his welterweight world title has been overshadowed by accusations of violating anti-doping rules.

The unbeaten pound-for-pound king was forced onto the backfoot on Thursday after it emerged that he had received an injection of vitamins and minerals on the eve of his superfight with Manny Pacquiao in May, breaking World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) leapt to Mayweather’s defence and the man himself said he was “very proud to be a clean athlete”.

It is hardly the buildup the American would have wanted for his showdown in Las Vegas against the unheralded Andre Berto, with Mayweather going for the magic 49-0 — equalling the record of heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano.

Mayweather, 38, the self-styled “TBE” (“The Best Ever”) is the heavy favourite for the bout at the MGM Grand — Berto has lost three of his last six fights.

Mayweather says that he wants to write his name in the history books before he hangs up his gloves — not that many believe he will really retire and there have been growing rumours of a rematch against Pacquiao.

Mayweather’s critics accuse the American of bigging up the quit talk to drum up interest in the fight but the boxer insists this is it.

“You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don’t have a fighter who can make adjustments like me,” he told the final pre-fight press conference.

It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this: I keep my eyes on the prize. I don’t focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me.”

He added, “I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th,  2015.

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