Benevolent One
Team Owner
The timing seems kind of odd with an expected rematch with Oscar De La Hoya due up in september. That fight would have probably paid each fighter another $20 million plus each. However, if you think about it he has nothing (other than the obvious huge payday) to gain from fighting De La Hoya again. If he wins people will say "well of course he beat Oscar", but if he loses the fight (not likely, but it could happen) then all of the fame and celebrity he has built up with his Dancing With The Stars, the fake wrestling match with the 440lb guy, etc. will be severely hampered.
He has "retired" twice before, but the language of his statement this time seems quite different. He said he no longer feels the hunger or desire to train to fight. He said his desire and hunger have been waning for a while now but the huge paydays he was generating were enough to keep him going in spite of his lack of interest. But now, he says "money isn't everything". That's easy to say for a guy who won a reported $50 million in the last 12-18 months. He says he has a peace about his decision and that his personal happiness must take presidence over his financial wishes and the wishes of his fans.
I don't know if he is permanently retired this time or not. He is only 31 years old and he has shown that he is all about money and fame. I have a feeling that he will "unretire" in a few years when his celebrity begins to fade and there is a another big money fight available.
He has "retired" twice before, but the language of his statement this time seems quite different. He said he no longer feels the hunger or desire to train to fight. He said his desire and hunger have been waning for a while now but the huge paydays he was generating were enough to keep him going in spite of his lack of interest. But now, he says "money isn't everything". That's easy to say for a guy who won a reported $50 million in the last 12-18 months. He says he has a peace about his decision and that his personal happiness must take presidence over his financial wishes and the wishes of his fans.
I don't know if he is permanently retired this time or not. He is only 31 years old and he has shown that he is all about money and fame. I have a feeling that he will "unretire" in a few years when his celebrity begins to fade and there is a another big money fight available.
