Floyd Mayweather explains taking exhibition fights after Oscar De La Hoya's "embarrassing" diss: "Success isn't something you retire from"
Floyd Mayweather is regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Over the course of his illustrious career, 'Money' racked up an undefeated record of 50-0, with title wins in multiple weight divisions.
Despite earning millions of dollars with numerous high-profile bouts, the 47-year-old hasn't given up on the pugilistic arts since ending his professional career with his win over Conor McGregor in 2017. Following his retirement from pro competition, he has featured in lucrative exhibition bouts, including against the likes of YouTubers Logan Paul and Deji.
He was last seen in an exhibition fight against John Gotti III in August. Per the exhibition rules, there was no winner, but 'Money' clearly dominated the bout.
Nevertheless, Mayweather's former opponent and fellow legend Oscar De La Hoya is not too thrilled with the former's recent exhibition fights. During one of his 'Clap Back Thursday' segments on Instagram, 'The Golden Boy' said:
"[Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III] was embarrassing. Floyd, you're 50 years old, you're a legend in the sport... You have to stop embarrassing yourself with these exhibitions. I know life is hard and life is expensive, but come on dude, put your legacy first."
Catch Oscar Da La Hoya's comments below:
Suffice it to say, Mayweather took notice of the criticism and hit back at his naysayers in a social media post. He wrote:
"Retirement isn't about slowing down, it's about living on you're own terms. 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."
Check out Floyd Mayweather's full statement below:
Mayweather also questioned why other successful men like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett aren't criticized for bolstering their legacies at an old age, but he, who is much younger, is being scrutinized.
When Oscar De La Hoya called Floyd Mayweather a "lowlife"
Oscar De La Hoya was furious with Floyd Mayweather for downplaying Canelo Alvarez's now defunct, 11-fight, $365 million deal with DAZN.
In 2018, after Golden Boy Promotions brokered the blockbuster deal for Alvarez, 'Money' was quick to dismiss it, claiming he could make the same amount from a single fight.
In an interview with TMZ Sports at the time, 'The Golden Boy' slammed Mayweather for his remarks, saying:
"How unfair is it that Canelo announces this big monumental deal and here you have Floyd crawling out of his little rock, trying to sabotage or trying to steal his thunder... That's who he is. He's a lowlife. That is exactly what Floyd is."
Catch Oscar De La Hoya's comments on Floyd Mayweather below (0:40):