LAS VEGAS—Unbeaten welterweight world champion Floyd Mayweather will try to match the iconic 49-0 career record of Rocky Marciano against fellow American Andre Berto on Sept. 12, promoters announced Tuesday.
In what Mayweather claims might be his final fight, and what is the last bout on his rich six-fight Showtime television deal, the reigning World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council champion will risk his crowns against a two-time world champion who has lost three of his past six fights.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring on Sept. 12 and prove again to the whole world why I’m ‘The Best Ever,’” Mayweather said. “I always bring my A-game and this fight against Andre Berto is no exception.”
Berto, 30-3 with 23 knockouts, intends to flip the script on Mayweather, whose 48-0 record includes 26 knockouts.
Mayweather comes in off his unanimous decision victory over Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao last May and with a goal to equal the 49-0 of the late heavyweight champion Marciano, who retired in 1956 with one of boxing’s most hallowed marks. AFP