Floyd Mayweather may be planning to use Andre Berto as 'tune-up' for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao, says new theory

The boxing world has been scrutinizing Floyd Mayweather ever since picking Andre Berto as his opponent for his next fight in September. The undefeated American boxer said it would be his last fight before hanging up his gloves, ending his illustrious boxing career against an underwhelming fighter.

However, a speculation surfaced explaining Mayweather’s logic that the upcoming fight will not be his last. According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, “Money” will use the Haitian-American boxer as a “tune-up” for a possible rematch against Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, or if not, a more challenging opponent. Smith, who originally reported that Mayweather sent him a text that the boxing champ would be willing to give Pacquiao a rematch, does not believe “Pretty Boy” will retire after fighting Berto, who lost three of his last six fights.

“It’s almost one of those things where it’s a tuneup, it’s going to be perceived as a cake-walk in a lot of people’s eyes,” Smith said. “It’s a tuneup similar to what Manny Pacquiao did to Chris Algieri.”

Business Insider reported that the theory of Smith makes sense, with Mayweather ending his career in a rematch against Pacquiao. The report pointed out that the former eight-division titlist, who underwent surgery for a torn rotator-cuff in his right shoulder after losing to Mayweather in May, needs 9-12 months of recovery time. Pacquiao’s injury makes him unavailable for a September fight, but would get him ready for a bout in 2016, when both could cash-in the rematch.

The report also explained why Mayweather would want to have his September fight broadcasted on CBS for free instead of the traditional pay-per-view screening. Business Insider’s Ali Gilberg wrote that airing Mayweather-Berto fight for free would please fans, completing his six-fight contract with Showtime/CBS. After September, Mayweather could then air his last fight on pay-per-view with whichever network offers him the largest possible payout and could surpass Rocky Marciano’s undefeated record of 49-0 to justify his brand of “The Best Ever.”

Meanwhile, Mayweather appeared to be composed in his preparation despite criticisms about his next fight. The American fighter displayed another grueling workout session before posting a picture to his Shots account, flaunting his world title belts as reported by Daily Mail. The collection featured a US$1 million (AU$1.3 million) diamond and gold covered, emerald green WBC belt, which he gained after his win against Pacquiao via unanimous decision.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.