Floyd Mayweather has asserted that his exhibition boxing matches will continue despite criticism. Although he retired from professional boxing in 2017, Mayweather has participated in several exhibition bouts since then.
Critics, including Oscar De La Hoya, have disparaged these matches. De La Hoya labeled Mayweather’s August 24 bout against John Gotti III as “embarrassing,” suggesting that “nobody wants to remember” Mayweather “like this.”
In response, Mayweather defended his choices in a recent Instagram post, emphasizing that retirement is about living on one’s own terms and that his exhibitions are financially rewarding. “Retirement isn’t about slowing down, it’s about living on your own terms,” he wrote. “I’ve worked hard to build a life where I can choose my adventures, and if those adventures still bring in multi-millions, even better. Success isn’t something you retire from, it’s something you refine.”
Mayweather has participated in eight exhibition matches since his last professional fight. His notable exhibitions include a 2021 bout against YouTube star Logan Paul.
His most recent exhibition match, against former MMA fighter Gotti in Mexico City, lasted eight rounds. Although no official winner was declared, Mayweather made headlines when he confronted the referee over a call in the second round, leading to a new official taking over for the remainder of the fight.
Mayweather concluded his Instagram post by addressing his critics, stating, “Bottom line, there’s too many of you busy pocket-watching while I’m busy still creating wealth and legacy.”
