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Welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. will make his next and possibly final title defense against Andre Berto on Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather confirmed Tuesday his opponent and the date for the WBC and WBA title fight, which will be aired on Showtime pay-per-view. He has said it will be his final bout.
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The 38-year-old's last fight was a unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao on May 2 that resulted in a $250 million payday for Mayweather, who is 48-0 with 26 career knockouts.
"I'm ready to get back in the ring on September 12 and prove again to the whole world why I'm 'The Best Ever,'" Mayweather said. "I always bring my A-game and this fight against Andre Berto is no exception. He's a young, strong fighter who is hungry to take down the best. Forty-eight have tried before and on September 12 I'm going to make it 49."
A news conference is set for Thursday in Los Angeles.
Berto, a former welterweight champion, fought for Haiti in the 2004 Olympics but lives in Florida. The 31-year-old has a 30-3 record with 23 knockouts. His last fight was March 13 when he stopped Josesito Lopez in the sixth round.
"I'm coming to kick Floyd's --- on September 12," Berto said. "Best believe that I plan to bring it to Floyd and I'm not concerned about what 48 other fighters have been unable to do. Somebody is getting knocked out and it won't be me. You don't want to miss this."
