The chances of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. meeting again in the ring for a rematch bout have dropped as Mayweather officially retires from the sport of boxing. As reported by the Huffington Post, Mayweather signed off his resignation last Saturday, Sept. 12, with a perfect record of 49 wins, zero draws and zero losses.
Mayweather's perfect boxing record is matched only by boxing legend Rocky Marciano who retired in 1956, also with a 49-0 record.
"My career is over. It's official. My 49-0 record is part of boxing," Mayweather stated. "I'm financially secure and I'm in good health. I'm looking forward to finding the next Floyd Mayweather and seeing someone break all these records I set. Records are meant to be broken."
Mayweather also boasted of retiring with all his faculties still in good shape unlike many boxers who quit the sport with brain damage, broken bones or other injuries. He also stated that he had achieved everything possible in boxing and has nothing left to accomplish, leaving little room for a rematch with Pacquiao.
Sparks for a rematch emerged almost immediately after the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight ended, with the latter defending the title via unanimous decision. Pacquiao later explained that his loss may be attributed to his shoulder injury which did not fully heal at the time of their match.
Pacquiao then called Mayweather out for a rematch, as reported by Time, after learning that the champion had received an intravenous vitamin injection prior to their match. According to Pacquiao, he requested permission to use an USADA-approved pain killer to help him deal with his shoulder concerns but this request was turned down.
"That is why I want a rematch," Pacquiao explained with regard to the decision to allow Mayweather the use of IV injections while his request was denied. "One without any injury and with fair play. No favoritism. Not one where the Mayweather camp gets to dictate all the terms and conditions."
