Welterweight

We're all set for what is supposed to be Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s last dance in the ring, Saturday night against overmatched contender Andre Berto in a welterweight title fight.

Both boxers made the weight in Friday's weigh-ins comfortably, as Mayweather clocked in at 146 pounds and Berto just one pound lighter. Appearing confident and borderline cocky on the stage against a boxer who's never lost, Berto doesn't seem to be shying away from the spotlight.

There's a packed slate of undercard bouts leading up to Mayweather-Berto, so let's take a closer look at them while assessing the main event odds.

Mayweather vs. Berto

Date: Saturday, September 12

Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Time (ET): 8 p.m.

Full Fight Card Odds

Matchup	Weight Class	Odds
Roman Martinez vs. Orlando Salido	Super Featherweight	Martinez (7-4); Salido (4-9)
Badou Jack vs. George Groves	Super Middleweight	Jack (6-5); Groves (4-7)
Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto	Welterweight	Mayweather (1-500); Berto (14-1)

Odds are courtesy of Odds Shark.

Could we see the final chapter in one of the greatest careers in boxing history Saturday night?

It may be too early to tell for sure, in fact it surely is, but that's what the Mayweather camp is saying as things gear up for the bout with Berto. According to them, the pound-for-pound king is going to hang up the gloves for good once he presumably wins his 49th fight.

As things gear up for fight night, that tune has not changed among Mayweather and his comrades, as ESPN's Darren Rovell noted:

Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe reiterated to me today: "This is 100 percent (Floyd's) last fight" on Saturday

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 8, 2015

There are more than a few reasons why Mayweather would be compelled to step back into the ring. First on the list is the potential of improving his record to 50-0, which would propel him past Rocky Marciano's record.

Also, there's the chance that the winner of Miguel Cotto and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's bout in November could push his way into contention to fight Mayweather. It's hard to believe that he would pass up the millions upon millions that would come from such a fight.

With that said, Mayweather has his own plans for money-making after his boxing days, as ESPN's Dan Rafael noted:

"I received three major movie offers [recently], so we fully expect that Floyd could be heavily involved in the entertainment industry because this is what he does," (Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard) Ellerbe said. "I know for a fact that with the significant entertainment offers coming our way that it's definitely something that is going to occupy a lot of his time."

Before Mayweather can worry about entertaining folks on the silver screen, however, he'll have to figure out a way to entertain them one last time in the ring. In a fight that doesn't have quite the same amount of sizzle as his previous encounter with Manny Pacquiao, that will be a central theme.

It's questionable in the first place as to why Mayweather took this fight, against an opponent who is just 3-3 in his last six fights and has struggled to stay near the top of the weight class. Whether he has the power and speed to be able to fluster Mayweather remains to be seen.

There's no telling right now if the talk from Mayweather's side of things is legit or if there are plans for more fights in the future. But with the way they're talking, the last chance to see Money May in action just might be this weekend.

In what's presumed to be the final fight of an illustrious, controversial and unbeaten career, pound-for-pound dynamo Floyd Mayweather Jr. will battle Andre Berto in the ring Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Just over four months removed from a massive victory over Manny Pacquiao in one of the most anticipated fights ever, Mayweather is now tasked with revitalizing interest for yet another big-money endeavor. Surprisingly enough, it comes against a boxer who is just 3-3 in his last six ring appearances.

The storylines are coming in in droves as Saturday night approaches, so let's take a closer look at all of the specifics prior to the fight.

Mayweather vs. Berto Odds

Boxer	Odds
Floyd Mayweather Jr.	1-30
Andre Berto	11-1

Odds are courtesy of Odds Shark.

Post Weigh-In Preview

Take arguably the greatest boxer in history and pit him against an unheralded veteran who may or may not even deserve a shot, then combine it all for said legend's final fight of his career. Needless to say, the sizzle in this one is down a bit from Mayweather's previous encounter.

But there are still 12 potential rounds of action ahead, and neither boxer is about to back down to the challenge ahead.

Mayweather and Berto have both been giving their opponent plenty of respect as they promote a fight that almost certainly won't draw the same level of interest as Mayweather-Pacquiao. But when they squared off at weigh-ins Friday evening, no love was lost as Showtime Sports showed:

.@FloydMayweather and @AndreBerto stare down before they square off tomorrow. #MayweatherBerto http://t.co/N1HmIV0rqA

— All the Smoke Fight (@ats_fight) September 11, 2015

Even before this fight got confirmed and Mayweather was relishing in his comfortable victory over Pacquiao this summer, doubt crept in as to whether this would truly be his last fight. With the millions he rakes in each fight and the relative ease he's shown in winning lately, why would he pass up more paydays?

Well, Mayweather does have a sound reason for hanging the gloves up as he told ESPN's Dan Rafael:

"I'm ready to hang it up and spend time with my children," Mayweather said. "Most fighters that are retired didn't have a choice.

"I know that the end is coming. It's something I can accept. I've had a tremendous career. I just want to spend time with my children every day."

Another big reason why it's doubtful for many that Mayweather is truly done boxing is because of how close he sits to a legend's record. With a win Saturday, Money May would tie Rocky Marciano's incredible record of 49-0.

With that said, it's not like Saturday's result is a mere formality. Even though Berto might be outmatched in every facet, former world champion Paul Malignaggi noted why he could be in for some success others haven't seen against Mayweather of late:

I'm not calling an upset but I think Berto can bring a little something to the table tonight that some others haven't of late against Floyd.

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) September 12, 2015

To say the hype isn't near the same level for this fight as Mayweather's last one would be one of the understatements of the year, but it's still Mayweather. Whether he's fighting a true test or an overmatched foe, any time he steps into the ring, it becomes must-watch stuff.

No matter how it shakes out, the sporting public should get up for this one. Either we'll see the final chapter to one of the greatest careers in boxing history, or it will be yet another iconic victory for the soon-to-retire legend.

For possibly the final time in his storied career, Floyd Mayweather Jr. took the stage in Las Vegas on Friday to weigh in for his anticipated matchup with Andre Berto.

The weigh-in for Saturday's welterweight bout saw Mayweather come in at 146 pounds, while Berto tipped the scales at 145 pounds.

After the two men stepped off the scale, the customary staredown took place, albeit without incident, per Showtime Sports:

.@FloydMayweather and @AndreBerto stare down before they square off tomorrow. #MayweatherBerto http://t.co/N1HmIV0rqA

— All the Smoke Fight (@ats_fight) September 11, 2015

Here's the full tale of the tape on the eve of the epic confrontation:

Mayweather	Stat	Berto
38	Age	32
5'8"	Height	5'6"
72"	Reach	68.5"
146 lbs	Weight	145 lbs
48-0 (26 KO)	Record	30-3 (23 KO)

One of the big stories leading up to the fight focuses on Mayweather's choice of Berto as an opponent. While no other boxer could come close to drumming up the sort of interest from May's bout with Manny Pacquiao, Berto has not fared well recently, with a 3-3 record over his last six fights. 

ESPN.com's Darren Rovell reported on Tuesday that over 2,100 seats were still available through Ticketmaster and that resale sites like StubHub were seeing less activity than normal. 

The weigh-in was another reminder that the enthusiasm for this bout isn't there, as Joe Castagnino tweeted out a picture of many empty seats:

We've got empty seats at MGM for Mayweather Berto weigh in. Can't recall that's time that happened. pic.twitter.com/5QgPCAXAxi

— Irons Sharpen Irons Golf (@ISIGolfVegas) September 11, 2015

Even so, Mayweather didn't seem to be losing any sleep over the vacant chairs based on his grin while walking into the arena, per Showtime Sports:

.@FloydMayweather is all smiles entering the MGM Grand for potentially his final weigh-in #MayweatherBerto pic.twitter.com/46aGUSedib

— All the Smoke Fight (@ats_fight) September 11, 2015

Mayweather has maintained since defeating Pacquiao in May that Saturday will be his final fight. He emphasized that point again in an interview with David Mayo of MLive.com:

There's really nothing else to accomplish. ... No one is in my shoes. My health is more important. Anything can happen. I'm not really worried about losing but I want to have a sharp mind. You can make a lot of money but you still want to be able to talk, walk and have a sharp mind.

The key point in that statement comes at the beginning, as Mayweather said he has nothing left to accomplish. It's true, certainly, that the bout with Pacquiao was the defining moment for him and the sport. Nothing will top that in terms of buzz and fan anticipation.

Mayweather echoed that sentiment to Jim Gray after weighing in, noting Berto moved into a spot to fight him because he's already taken down everyone else:

.@FloydMayweather lists some of the greats he's taken down and how they've prepared him for Berto. #HighStakes http://t.co/UvQvjPZdFB

— All the Smoke Fight (@ats_fight) September 11, 2015

Boxing doesn't always see its fighters retire while they are still at the top of their games. Mayweather may be telling the truth about this being his final match, which would make this one of the defining events of 2015. 

All the answers will come Saturday night as Mayweather looks to improve his record to 49-0. It would be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history if he loses, but there was a major upset in tennis Friday when Serena Williams lost in the U.S. Open semifinals.

That should provide a lesson to anyone who thinks that sports follow any semblance of logic. Berto will be in the best shape of his life because this is his moment to prove all of the doubters wrong. Mayweather doesn't take any fight lightly, so expect fireworks to fly in about 24 hours.

Despite Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s insistence that this weekend’s showdown with Andre Berto will be his final professional fight, his father has revealed he will do his utmost to convince the unbeaten boxer to continue his career.

As reported by Declan Taylor of the Mail Online, the man known as Money has no intentions of surpassing Rocky Marciano’s career record of 49-0, a landmark Mayweather Jr. will equal should he, as expected, dispose of Berto. But Floyd Mayweather Sr. thinks if his son turns in another quality display on Saturday, he should fight on, per Taylor’s piece:

It will definitely be up to him whether he makes the decision or not. But if he does not do whatever he decides to do within a six-month period, leave it alone. It's done.

It's too long at his age. If he looks good on Saturday against Berto I'll say "let's do it one more time – let's have one last one." That's what I'm going to tell him.

Right now we still have a fight on Saturday so I'm still here right now. We don't know what's going to happen on Saturday – we will have to wait and see because he might say 'hey – I'm going to do it again, one more time.'

It’s something fight fans would love to see. Like him or loathe him, it’s tough to deny Mayweather's genius, and although the American has often been accused of cherry-picking his opponents, he’s fought big names such as Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez and has beaten them all.

So this finale, against a mediocre opponent such as Berto, doesn’t really seem an appropriate way to round off this distinguished career. As noted by Darren Rovell of ESPN.com, as a result, tickets for the bout have been a hard sell for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas:

As Mayweather-Berto ticket sales stalled, MGM hotels started sending out offers as cheap as 2 night stay w/2 fight tickets for $675

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 8, 2015

Mayweather Sr. claimed it’s important not to look too far ahead, although he revealed his son would be looking for a knockout win. "If Floyd plans on the knockout then he might get it because this dude has got a glass jaw, I can tell you that,” he said, per Taylor. “I'm not sure if Floyd will touch his jaw very well but I know he'll touch him enough to stagger him.”

It would be Money’s first win inside the distance since a controversial knockout of Victor Ortiz in 2011. The American’s defensive style of fighting means it’s rare to see him on the front foot, and with opponents cautious because of Floyd’s razor-sharp reflexes, his fights haven’t been aesthetic spectacles down the years.

A bout against a quality competitor would have stirred up more interest in the occasion, and Amir Khan was a name often bandied about as a possible opponent for Money. But Mayweather Sr. was adamant that the Brit would never get a shot at his son and won’t even if Floyd continues fighting either, per Taylor:

"He isn't getting the fight because I told his daddy—I said 'you're a chump.' And Amir Khan is nothing close to Floyd and he's not going to get a penny if I've got something to do with that. And I've got everything to do with it. He's mad because he isn't getting any big pay days—that's why."

Khan has been in impressive form in his previous three bouts, easily disposing of Luis Collazo, Devon Alexander and Chris Algieri, and many maintain he had a much greater case for going up against Mayweather than Berto did. The Bolton-born star will be keeping a close eye on proceedings come Saturday night, though, as he revealed on Twitter:

catch me on @boxnationtv for the #MayweatherVBerto fight... will be in studio in London. fights start at 1am

— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) September 10, 2015

Khan, like the rest of us, will quickly become a little weary of watching Mayweather pick apart a subpar opponent. Indeed, while it’s likely to be a landslide win for Money and an overdue knockout, pockets of empty seats around the MGM Grand should have been filled for the final chapter in Floyd’s remarkable fighting days.

This underwhelming climax, the chance to pick up one last payday and to surpass the iconic mark of Marciano may all conspire to tempt Mayweather back to the sweet science. A timely nudge from his father could be decisive if the undefeated champion is at a precarious point in his decision-making process.

Saturday's the big night for Floyd "Money" Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs), who will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA welterweight titles on the line against Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs). Fight fans will have one last look behind the curtain Friday night on Showtime's All Access: Mayweather vs. Berto.

Interest for this night isn't nearly as high as it was for Mayweather's ultimately anticlimactic bout with Manny Pacquiao, but if this is truly Mayweather's final foray into the squared circle, then it's indeed a noteworthy night for the sport of boxing. 

All Access' second episode prominently featured ultra-sleek, tangible evidence of Mayweather's exorbitant wealth, his self-aggrandizing personality and devotion to his craft. Pretty much par for the course. It stood in stark contrast to Berto's more humble lifestyle and training. 

Here's the TV schedule for Friday's final episode of All Access:

Date	Time (ET/PT)	TV
Friday, September 11	5:45 p.m.	Showtime
Friday, September 11	9 p.m.	SHO Extreme
Friday, September 11	11:45 p.m.	SHO Extreme
Saturday, September 12	7 a.m.	Showtime
Saturday, September 12	10 a.m.	Showtime
Saturday, September 12	6:15 p.m.	Showtime

Note: Episode 3 will be available on demand after it airs Friday night. For those catching up, Episode 2 is below. Episode 1 can be found here.


Preview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73o7DYRuIN4

Without knowing the turnaround time of All Access—nor its willingness to address such an allegation —it will be interesting to watch in light of the report from SB Nation's Thomas Hauser, which states that Mayweather took an intravenous injection before the Pacquiao fight, a process that is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency:

Mayweather’s medical team also told the collection agents that the IV consisted of two separate mixes. The first was a mixture of 250 milliliters of saline and multi-vitamins. The second was a 500-milliliter mixture of saline and Vitamin C. Seven hundred and fifty milliliters equals 25.361 ounces, an amount equal to roughly 16 percent of the blood normally present in an average adult male.

The mixes themselves are not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which sets the standards that USADA purports to follow. However, their intravenous administration is prohibited by WADA.

Considering this episode is airing one day before the bout itself, one might guess that the program will focus on Mayweather's legacy and eventual retirement.

As controversial as his career has been due to his criminal convictions and abhorrent behavior outside the ring, Mayweather's been unimpeachable between the ropes. If he wins, he'll be 49-0, a record matching that of the great Rocky Marciano.

Mayweather doesn't boast knockout power, nor does he string together stinging combinations as often as he did in his younger days. What he is, however, is a master at picking his spots on offense, a shadow darting around the ring, nigh impossible to hit cleanly. One could easily imagine him picking apart a few more opponents, if not just one more to get a clean 50 wins (assuming he wins on Saturday).

Showtime vice president Victor Espinoza can picture it.

"Selfishly, as boxing fans and as a network that's been in business with him for almost the last three years, we don't want this to end," Espinoza said, via the Los Angeles Times' Lance Pugmire. "His performance is close to, or at, its peak. It seems like he has a lot left."

However, the word out of Mayweather's camp has been pretty consistent that Saturday's bout is it.

"As I've said a number of times, this will be Floyd's last fight," said Leonard Ellerbe, the president of Mayweather Promotions, via Pugmire.

And if this truly is it, from a business standpoint, Mayweather is going out with something closer to a whimper than a bang. ESPN.com's Darren Rovell noted on Wednesday that, according to Ticketmaster, there were 2,100 tickets left at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

The sales pitch—that this is the end of the Mayweather's run in boxing, one of the all-time greats—isn't working. It's easy to blame Berto, who is treading water in his career and nothing close to a household name. The lingering disappointment from the Pacquiao bout is surely playing a role as well. Hauser's report won't help much.

It's too early to say what impact, if any, the Hauser report will have on Mayweather's legacy. It's an unwelcome development to be sure, one that certainly won't do anything toward Saturday being the final, ceremonial testament to Mayweather's boxing brilliance that he and his team likely envisioned.

It seems the only way this becomes a truly noteworthy event is if Berto wins.

The Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. (48-0, 26 KO) vs. Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KO) pay-per-view event isn't getting a lot of love among the boxing community, but as a card, the lineup of fights isn't bad. Is it worth a pay-per-view cost of between $60-$80, per Luke Kerr-Dineen of USA Today's For the Win? Maybe on the low end of that scale.

Because this is a Mayweather fight, expectations will be high, and patience will be thin. If he doesn't lose or hit a 5-star frog splash off the top rope and finish Berto with a figure-four leg lock, his critics will boo and hiss.

Truth be told, if the following card were headlined by Canelo Alvarez and David Lemieux and cost $60 minus Mayweather, you'd have a ton of people singing its praises.

Saturday, Sept. 12, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas	Event begins at 8 p.m. ET on Showtime
Weight Class	Titles	Fighter (c) - champion	Record (KOs)	Fighter (c) - champion	Record (KO)	Rounds
Welterweight	WBC and WBA	Floyd Mayweather Jr. (c)	48-0 (26)	Andre Berto	30-3 (21)	12
Super Middleweight	WBC	Badou Jack (c)	19-1-1 (16)	George Groves	21-2 (16)	12
Super Featherweight	WBO	Roman Martinez (c)	29-2-2 (17)	Orlando Salido	42-13-2 (29)	12
Super Welterweight		Vanes Martirosyan	35-2-1 (21)	Ishe Smith	27-7 (12)	10
Super Featherweight		Jhonny Gonzalez	58-9-0 (49)	Jonathan Oquendo	25-4 (16)	10

Guide to Likely Televised Bouts

Martirosyan vs. Smith (Hype Level: 5)

Both Vanes Martirosyan and Ishe Smith are respected 154-pound fighters, but neither is usually a part of memorable or exciting fights.

Smith's style is ugly, and he lacks elite punching power. Martirosyan is a tough and competitive fighter who always proves to be a difficult out. However, unless you're a boxing junkie, this is probably a fight you'll miss or talk through as you and your fight party wait for the main event.

Gonzalez vs. Oquendo (Hype Level: 6.5)

This is another chapter in the classic Mexican-Puerto Rican boxing rivalry. Jhonny Gonzalez has all kinds of power, but he struggles with fighters who have quick hands and lateral movement.

That explains why the swift and talented Gary Russell Jr. gave him a four-round beating in March 2015 and took his WBC featherweight title. The 33-year-old Mexican quickly rebounded with a second-round KO win over a marginal Japanese opponent in Kazuki Hashimoto. 

Jonathan Oquendo should have a speed advantage, but it won't be nearly as pronounced as the one Russell enjoyed. If Oquendo boxes and stays away, he could give Gonzalez issues. If he is pulled into a slugfest, he'll likely be reminded just how hard Gonzalez can punch.

This one should be entertaining.

Martinez vs. Salido (Hype Level: 8.5)

And we have yet another chapter in the Mexican-Puerto Rican boxing rivalry.

If you're looking to see a brawl, this is the point of the pay-per-view when you need to start paying attention. Puerto Rican champion Roman "Rocky" Martinez will defend the WBO world super featherweight title he won over rugged Mexican challenger Orlando Salido in a rematch of their April bout.

Martinez won the first fight by unanimous decision after dropping Salido twice and having the latter penalized a point for low blows. 

The first fight was action-packed. Martinez controlled the early rounds with the two knockdowns, but Salido came on strong at the end. His rally is what helped produce the appetite for a rematch.

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael wrote this about the first fight and the rematch: "It was the kind of fight for which a rematch was a natural, and that is exactly what is happening."

The fighters seem to be preparing for another all-out war. Per Rafael, the 32-year-old Martinez said this about Saturday's rematch:

Everyone saw that the first fight against Salido was a true war. This time around, I'm planning to give my fans the same type of fight. I predict a nonstop action slugfest. I feel the rematch is a very exciting fight for television, the kind fans love. For me, it gives me a chance to leave no doubt in anybody's mind that I am the champion.

Salido believes he didn't get an opportunity to "fight his fight" because referee Jose Hiram Rivera "was talking to [him] the whole 12 rounds." This time, Salido insists he knows Martinez's "weakness." Hopefully that weakness isn't below the belt. 

Groves vs. Jack (Hype Level: 7.5)

This is an underrated fight on the card. George Groves is an interesting talent who may or may not have been broken by his two-fight series with Carl Froch.

Groves lost both fights by TKO—one was controversial, the other not at all. Since the back-to-back defeats in 2013 and 2014, Groves has defeated Christopher Rebrasse and Denis Douglin to earn a third shot at a world title. 

Jack has proved he's a tough customer. He won the WBC super middleweight title by majority decision over Anthony Dirrell in April. Jack just seemed to want it more than Dirrell late in the fight. His inside, body-punching style was fun to watch, and it made him easy to root for.

Stylistically, he makes for an interesting match against the slick, boxer-puncher-style Groves employs.

Mayweather vs. Berto (Hype Level: 8.5)

If you think that hype level is a little high, you're probably a Mayweather hater.

Granted, this isn't Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao or even the second scrap with Marcos Rene Maidana, but Berto is a legitimate former two-time world champion. There are still reasons to be excited about this fight. Check out the video of the press conference on Wednesday. The two fighters are doing their best to capture the intrigue of the fight community.

Beyond the obvious credentials of Mayweather and the disrespected accomplishments of Berto, there's a growing sentiment that Mayweather will be going for a KO.

That's something he hasn't seemingly set out to do since he destroyed Sharmba Mitchell in 2005. Mayweather has just two wins by stoppage since the Mitchell fight—and one of them was the sucker-punch KO against Victor Ortiz that came in retaliation for repeated headbutts. 

"Sugar" Shane Mosley recently stated that Mayweather chose Berto because he'd have a better chance to knock him out.

Per Ben Thompson of FightHype.com, he said: "My thoughts on Mayweather fighting Berto...he's trying to get a KO. Berto doesn't have the best chin in the world. I mean, he has punching power, but he doesn't have the best chin and he's not the best fighter he could've fought."

That certainly doesn't sound like flawed logic or baseless hate. Mayweather is also still saying this will be his final fight, as seen in the press conference above. Most don't believe him, but because he's saying it, we have to give it some credence. Even if it isn't his last fight, Mayweather still has a chance to equal Rocky Marciano's record of 49-0.

Like him or not, that's as impressive as it gets. In any case, all of the details and circumstances surrounding the fight are a formula for an entertaining main event.

---

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter.

After all the public and private allegations about Manny Pacquiao's performance-enhancing drug use, it appears it was actually Floyd Mayweather Jr. who may have been doping prior to their May bout.

As highlighted in an expansive profile of boxing's PED issues, Thomas Hauser of SB Nation reported Mayweather received an illegal IV prior to the fight to help with dehydration. The report states United States Anti-Doping Agency agents found evidence of Mayweather using an IV on Friday, May 2, after weigh-ins, though the details behind the findings are still unclear.

What is clear, however, is that Mayweather would be in violation of World Anti-Doping Agency regulations, which do not allow for fighters to receive IV injections. Such injections could be used to mask other banned substances, such as performance-enhancing drugs.     

Hauser reports Mayweather received an exception from the USADA, but his camp did not apply for the waiver until 18 days after the fight. That would mean it was neither in place nor applied for when Mayweather defeated Pacquiao via unanimous decision in one of the biggest bouts in boxing history.

This report runs contrary to Mayweather's reputation as a clean fighter, and Hauser's piece details the cozy relationship between Mayweather Promotions and the USADA. Unlike public proclamations to the contrary, Mayweather doesn't seem subject to true 365-day testing. His camp and the USADA allegedly come together before his fights and begin random testing programs at Mayweather's discretion. 

Mayweather denied the allegations against him in a statement on Sept. 10, via BoxMadMagazine.com:

As already confirmed by the USADA Statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines. I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing. 

Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before. 

 I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.

The USADA also denied the report in a statement on Thursday: 

Although the articles in question contain a multitude of errors, all of which will be addressed at the appropriate time, we believe it is important to immediately correct the record regarding the false suggestion that Floyd Mayweather violated the rules by receiving an IV infusion of saline and vitamins.

As was already publicly reported in May of this year by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), Mr. Mayweather applied for and was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) by USADA for an IV infusion of saline and vitamins that was administered prior to his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao. Mr. Mayweather’s use of the IV was not prohibited under the NSAC rules at that time and would not be a violation of the NSAC rules today. Nonetheless, because Mr. Mayweather was voluntarily taking part in a USADA program, and therefore subject to the rules of the WADA Code, he took the additional step of applying for a TUE after the IV infusion was administered in order remain in compliance with the USADA program. Although Mr. Mayweather’s application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all tests results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him. Furthermore, once the TUE was granted, the NSAC and Mr. Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules.

However, Hauser responded to the denials with his own rebuttal, defending his story, via BoxingScene.com:

No amount of self-serving rhetoric from USADA can change the following unrebutted facts:

(1) The IV was administered at Floyd Mayweather’s home after the weigh-in on May 1. USADA learned about the IV on that date.

(2) The 2015 WADA “Prohibited Substances and Methods List” states, “Intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than 50 ml per 6 hour period are prohibited except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures, or clinical investigations.”

(3) The above-referenced prohibition is in effect at all times that the athlete is subject to testing. It exists because, in addition to being administered for the purpose of adding specific substances to a person’s body, an IV infusion can dilute or mask the presence of another substance that is already in the recipient’s system or might be added to it in the near future.

(4) Mayweather-Pacquiao was contested on May 2.

(5) Mayweather applied for a therapeutic use exemption on May 19 (seventeen days after the fight).

(6) USADA granted the therapeutic use exemption on May 20 (eighteen days after the fight).

(7) USADA did not notify the Nevada State Athletic Commission about the IV until May 21 (nineteen days after the fight).

Meanwhile, on May 2 (fight night), Manny Pacquiao’s request to be injected with Toradol (a legal substance) to ease the pain caused by a torn rotator cuff was denied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission because the request was not made in a timely manner.

It would be helpful if Travis Tygart or his spokesperson answered the following questions directly:

(1) What was the medical justification and supporting data that led to USADA granting the therapeutic use exemption for an otherwise prohibited IV procedure?

(2) On how many occasions has the “A” sample of a professional boxer tested by USADA come back positive for a prohibited substance?

(3) What was the testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio for each urine test administered to Floyd Mayweather by USADA for each of his fights beginning with Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley up to and including Mayweather vs. Andre Berto?

(4) Does USADA still maintain that it handled the Erik Morales matter correctly?

Hauser provided analysis from Victor Conte—the ringleader of the famous BALCO scandal and now an advocate for stricter testing:

The benefits that an athlete retains from using anabolic steroids and certain other PEDs carry over for months. Anybody who knows anything about the way these drugs work knows that you don’t perform at your best when you’re actually on the drugs. You get maximum benefit after the use stops. I can’t tell you what Floyd Mayweather is and isn’t doing. What he could be doing is this. The fight is over. First, he uses these drugs for tissue repair. Then he can stay on them until he announces his next fight, at which time he’s the one who decides when the next round of testing starts. And by the time testing starts, the drugs have cleared his system.

Interestingly, Pacquiao's camp had suggested a $5 million fine if either fighter tested positive for PEDs. Mayweather's camp declined—a surprise given the very public accusations hurled Pacquiao's way. 

Pacquiao responded to the report on Sept. 10, saying: "Truth finally came out and I was vindicated,” via ABS-CBN’s Francis Canlas. “[The] Mayweather camp used to accused me of using PED. Now, look at what happened.”

With Mayweather gearing up for what could be his final bout Saturday against Andre Berto, this is the exact type of distraction he doesn't need as he attempts to match Rocky Marciano's 49-0 record.

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On Saturday, Floyd Mayweather will enter the ring for the final time, putting his undefeated record on the line in a welterweight bout against Andre Berto. If he wins, he'll equal Rocky Marciano's record of 49 wins with no losses and retire as the undefeated champion.

While there are those who question whether he'll actually call it a career, including his own father, per worldboxingnews.net (h/t Sky Sports), the 38-year-old has made his decision clear whenever he was asked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6fy2g-OPKk

It's not easy walking away from something you love doing, and in the past, we've seen too many top fighters go on for far too long, blemishing their careers and damaging their bodies beyond repair in the process. Money's decision to quit now is commendable, and yet, Saturday's fight shouldn't be the last time we see the defensive mastermind do his thing in the ring.

His upcoming bout with Berto has been questioned by some and openly ridiculed by others, with Forbes' Josh Katzowitz calling the decision to fight Berto “terribly discouraging” and ESPN's Todd Grisham balking at the PPV price:

I just saw a Mayweather vs Berto commercial. When the PPV price of $74.95 popped up I giggled like a little girl.

— Todd Grisham (@Grishamfight) September 8, 2015

Berto is not a bad fighter―he's just not the hot prospect he was years ago, before his loss against Victor Ortiz. He's lost three of his last six bouts, and wins over Steve Upsher Chambers and Josesito Lopez shouldn't normally hand you a shot at the title.

Mayweather has earned the right to go out on his own terms, but for the sake of his legacy, he should reconsider his decision to retire after Saturday. He only needs to look at Marciano, the man whose record he's set to match, to see what perception can do to a fighter's legacy.

Marciano is infrequently mentioned among the greatest fighters of all time, despite his accomplishments, because he never faced a top fighter. He doesn't have that one standout moment, that fight that defines one's career on his resume.

Fans remember those magical nights and the men who were a part of it. Arturo Gatti will always be remembered for his legendary three fights with Micky Ward, for instance―far more than his loss against Money, his ugly showing against Carlos Baldomir and his final bout against Alfonso Gomez.

Sugar Ray Leonard is remembered because of Roberto Duran, Manny Pacquiao had his epic battles with Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather never had the opportunity to be involved in fights like that, partly because of his sheer dominance and fighting style, so instead, fans will turn to other things: his record and their final memories of Money in the ring.

It seems the latter will be an unfancied, unwanted bout against Berto. As shared by ESPN's Dan Rafael, Mayweather claims it doesn't matter who he would have picked, as people would have found a way to tear down the proposed fight:

Asked about his selection of Berto, Floyd said 'It don't matter who I chose. They'll always criticize.' #MayweatherBerto #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 2, 2015

Is that really the case, though? Imagine if his final fight was against a younger, faster prospect people actually believed had a chance of ending his reign of terror. Someone like Keith Thurman, or Amir Khan. Imagine how people would respond if Money did the impossible and gave the terrifying Gennady Golovkin a shot.

That would be a memory to cherish. Even a rematch with eternal rival Pacquiao, who immediately brought up a shoulder injury after his unanimous-decision loss against Mayweather―per CNN―would be the kind of story people remembered.

Mayweather has the chance to go out on a high, breaking Marciano's record by recording his 50th win against a marquee opponent, someone the world will remember as the final real challenge for the greatest fighter of our generation.

Perhaps Money doesn't care about his legacy. The man has won titles across five divisions and has nothing left to prove, and if he walks away on Saturday, he'll be rightly praised for a great career.

But one more win over a top opponent could change the way we remember Mayweather forever.

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Floyd Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will meet with Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, September 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas to defend his undefeated record and WBA and WBC welterweight titles. The 38-year-old is widely expected to cruise to a win, matching Rocky Marciano's perfect 49-0 record in the process.

Berto has lost three of his last six fights and earned his shot at Mayweather with wins over Steve Upsher Chambers and Josesito Lopez―hardly names that put fear in the heart of their opponents.

But he did start his career with 27 straight wins and was once regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the world. Five years ago, this fight seemed likely to happen, and fans wondered whether Berto could be the man to hand Mayweather his first ever loss; he's now finally getting his chance.

According to Sky Sports, Mayweather maintains he will retire after the fight, and combined with Berto's comeback after the loss against Victor Ortiz, there are plenty of reasons to watch this bout. Not everyone will, however, and Bleacher Report's Kevin McRae understands why:

I defended Mayweather when this Berto fight was rumored for CBS. As a PPV bout it's a total mismatch not worthy of your $$$.

— 🖤❤️💛KPM❤️🤍❤️ (@KPMWrites) August 4, 2015

Let's have a look at what both fighters have to offer and make some predictions for the upcoming clash.

Mayweather

Money needs no introduction. The unquestioned pound-for-pound king and future Hall of Famer was last seen dispatching longtime rival Manny Pacquiao, easily beating the Filipino slugger by unanimous decision in a fight that failed to live up to the fans' lofty expectations.

After years and years of buildup the two could have gone at it like Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward, and some people still would have been disappointed. Ultimately, Mayweather did what he does best: control the ring, dominate with speed and defence and cruise to an easy win.

Even at the age of 38, Mayweather's hand speed remains phenomenal, and according to Showtime's Al Bernstein, it's Money's longevity that works most in his favour when talking about his position among the greats of the sport. He said so while previewing the fight with ESPN's Jim Basquil and Brian Campbell, appearing on Making the Rounds (h/t ESPN Boxing):

Making The Rounds: @AlBernstein of @SHOsports previews #MayweatherBerto & looks at Floyd's legacy http://t.co/PWz3fWVUfN @BCampbellESPN

— ESPN Boxing (@ESPNBoxing) September 2, 2015

That doesn't mean Mayweather hasn't shown any signs of old age. His footwork is not as good as it was during his prime, when he could move around the ring like no other and make his opponents look silly.

These days, he relies even more on his head movement and shoulder roll defence, and while it's still an incredible sight to behold, it does present his opponent with a more static target. As ESPN's Sports science explained, he has been hit more in his last couple of fights than ever before:

With his foot speed slowing down ever so slightly, Mayweather has become less adventurous when moving forward, relying heavily on counterpunching instead. He's one of the world's best at it, however, and will enter the bout with a significant advantage in reach.

For Money, the keys to victory are simple: do your thing. Berto is an explosive puncher with solid power, but unless he gets a clean shot at Mayweather, a knockout is unlikely. Money has shown he has a great chin throughout his career, but ideally, that wouldn't come into play here.

Keeping Berto at a distance and making the ring as big as possible will play right into Mayweather's strengths, and the champion shouldn't be afraid to clinch if necessary. If he sticks to his usual game plan, the win should be Mayweather's.

Berto

Exactly how controversial was Mayweather's decision to fight Berto? Apart from the constant criticism the bout has received in the past few months, with Forbes' Josh Katzowitz giving one of the most damning assessments, even the fighter himself felt the need to address the issue during a press conference, via ESPN's Dan Rafael:

Asked about his selection of Berto, Floyd said 'It don't matter who I chose. They'll always criticize.' #MayweatherBerto #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 2, 2015

Mayweather doesn't usually answer tricky questions―he either dodges them or ignores them completely. The fact he decided to defend himself on the Berto decision tells you all you need to know.

The 31-year-old Berto has held world title belts, and his resume includes impressive wins over the likes of Juan Urango and Luis Collazo. Berto is no scrub―he's just not the young, dangerous fighter fans were hoping for. Mayweather was never going to fight Gennady Golovkin, no matter what people said, but a bout against someone like Amir Khan would have been a possibility.

Berto has solid hand speed and some power, managing 23 knockouts over the course of his career, and he seems eager to prove his doubters wrong, judging by his impeccable shape, as shared by Rafael:

Well @AndreBerto may be big underdgo vs Floyd but he can sure talk. Superb interview & is in tremendous shape. On weight. #MayweatherBerto

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) August 28, 2015

He knows he's the underdog, and if he's to produce one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, he will have to be fearless. Mayweather hasn't won by knockout since his controversial stoppage of Victor Ortiz way back in 2011―Berto shouldn't worry about trying to walk through the punches and get up close.

Avoiding the clinch against a defensive fighter like Mayweather is never easy, but what he can do is force him into the ropes and try to spring a surprise when the two disengage. It's how Pacquiao seemed to shock Mayweather briefly in their fight, and it may be Berto's only chance.

Predictions

There's a reason just about everyone believes Mayweather will cruise to an easy win. Berto is a solid fighter, but Money is on a whole other level. He hardly ever looked troubled against Pacquiao, and expect the same to happen on Saturday. Unanimous-decision win for Mayweather, who takes at least nine rounds and tells reporters he will not change his mind about retirement.

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The second installment of Showtime's All Access: Mayweather vs. Berto airs Friday, September 4, giving fans yet another half-hour of insight into the makings of what is very likely to be Floyd "Money" Mayweather's final fight, against challenger Andre Berto on September 12.

The first episode of All Access saw both Mayweather and Berto engaging in the usual training montages and pre-bout bravado. There were a couple of atypical beats to the first installment.

Mayweather played pick-up basketball with Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas and showed off an unorthodox running jump shot. With many deriding Money's decision to fight, the show was quick to show Mayweather put on his promoter's hat and hype his opponent, per Bad Left Hook's Scott Christ:

The biggest question that's posed early in often in the episode is why is Floyd Mayweather choosing Andre Berto as a final opponent? Within the first few minutes Floyd says that it was clear that Manny Pacquiao couldn't bring out the best in him, and that he believes Andre Berto is the man for the job - also adding in that Berto doesn't get as much credit as he deserves.

Berto, who's won his last two fights but is 3-3 in his last six, is hardly an inspiring choice for Mayweather's swan song.

If you need to catch up with the series before catching Episode 2, here's the premiere in full:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyCFoDa9kEk

Here's the TV schedule for the series' second episode.

Date	Time (ET/PT)	Channel
September 4	10:35 p.m.	Showtime
September 5	2:35 p.m.	SHO Extreme
September 5	8:30 p.m.	SHO Extreme
September 6	1:35 a.m.	Showtime
September 6	3 p.m.	SHO Extreme
September 7	9:30 p.m.	SHO Extreme
September 10	1:30 a.m.	Showtime
September 11	5:15 p.m.	Showtime
September 12	9:30 a.m.	Showtime
September 12	5:45 p.m.	Showtime

Note: Per SHO.com, Episode 2 will be available On Demand on September 4.

Episode 1 didn't really touch on it, so it will be interesting to see if Mayweather's ongoing verbal sparring with MMA superstar Ronda Rousey makes its way into the storyline.

Showtime is likely to keep the production focused on the two boxers, but it doesn't say much for Berto's status that the big Mayweather-related headlines concern his minor feud with Rousey rather than his big final fight. 

Ever since he was announced as Mayweather's last opponent, Berto has handled the media scrutiny and criticism well, remaining focused on the task at hand. Granted, the Berto criticism is often indirect since Mayweather essentially had final cut in this production and probably could and should have gone with a younger, more interesting fighter like Amir Khan or Kell Brook.

Berto's chosen not to take criticism too personally. He reckons most other fighters would face derision trying to follow up Manny Pacquiao as a Mayweather opponent.

"You see a guy that he got finished with someone who was supposed to beat him in Pacquiao," Berto said, via Mitch Abramson of the New York Daily News. "And I believe right now you could mention anybody in this position would get a nice bit of criticism. I see it like that."

Mayweather apparently sees things the same way, although likely for different reasons than Berto, per ESPN.com's Dan Rafael:

Asked about his selection of Berto, Floyd said 'It don't matter who I chose. They'll always criticize.' #MayweatherBerto #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 2, 2015

Indeed, the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was five years in the making, in some cases hyped as a "good vs. evil" battle and was a monumental letdown as a boxing spectacle.

Even if Mayweather had chosen a young, promising boxer for his last bout, they might've endured criticism for not being a different young, promising boxer. Few fighters these days have any real mainstream cultural cache outside of Mayweather and Pacquiao. It was always going to be tough to play this role.

Berto has pointed to his track record as an exciting, relentless boxer as a reason to believe in him, per CBS New York:

Everybody already knows that I’m the type of fighter that I’m willing to give it all once I get into that ring. Every time I step in that ring I give it all I have. You know, with injuries or not, everybody knows I’m not going to stop. Like I said, in the Karass fight I tore my shoulder in the second round, but never in my mind did I think about stopping. I fought Guerrero with both my eyes shut. I never even thought about stopping. I always feel like I can still win the fight, so if there’s one thing that people do know about me, they know that I have a heart that’s as big as it can be. 

Hopefully, for Berto's sake, Episode 2 gives him more of an opportunity to show who he is and how he can make the fight interesting. He's highly unlikely to win, and Pacquiao is indeed a tough act to follow, perhaps even more so since the megafight was such a disappointment. 

Mayweather will more than likely display his usual brand of braggadocio, but also expect plenty of rhetoric about how fantastic Berto is and the challenge he represents. Mayweather still has one last fight to sell, a task made tougher by the response to the Pacquiao fight.