Pretty Boy Floyd Retires
For the second time in 13 months, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has retired from professional boxing.
But living in an age when athletes often retire prematurely and at the peak of their career, only to later mount a valiant comeback attempt, boxing fans and sports enthusiasts may want to take this breaking news with a grain of salt.
Gone are the days when warriors approached retirement closer to their golden years. Whether due to money, fame, or the countless other opportunities that arise from being a professional athlete, many stars seem to lose the desire to compete long before they lose the ability.
Whatever the reason, the time has come “again” for Pretty Boy Floyd to make his hasty exit. Unfortunately for boxing fans, the timing couldn't be worse due to the much-anticipated re-match between the champion and the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya.
“It is with a heavy heart that a write you this message today,” Mayweather, 31, said in a letter to the boxing media. “I have decided to permanently retire from boxing. This decision was not an easy one for me to make, as boxing is all I have done since I was a child. However, these past few years have been extremely difficult for me to find the desire and joy to continue in the sport.”
Mayweather has not fought since defending his WBC welterweight title with a tenth round stoppage against British favorite Rickey Hatton. Mayweather secured the win with two knockdowns, dropping Hatton midway through the tenth before the referee stepped in to end the fight when he went down again moments later after Mayweather delivered a check hook directly to the jaw, causing the Brit's head to bounce of the ring- post.
Mayweather said he agonized over his decision to retire, but that he was no longer happy boxing.
“I have said numerous times, and after several of my fights over the past two years, that I might not fight again. At the same time, I loved competing and winning and also wanted to continue my career for the fans, knowing they were there for me, and enjoyed watching me fight,” He said. “However, after many sleepless nights and intense soul searching, I realized I could no longer base my decision on anything but my own personal happiness, which I could no longer find. So I have finally made up my mind, spoken to my family, particularly my mother, and made my decision.”
By. Nic Martinez