Showtime Executive Expects Berto To Be A Threat To Mayweather

Floyd “Money” Mayweather is undoubtedly boxing’s biggest star, and the face of the sport. He is the undefeated, undisputed pound-for-pound king, currently sitting at a super impressive 48-0, while also serving as one of the world’s richest athletes.

However, despite his successes, there are thousands and thousands of fans who despite this man. “Money” happens to be one of the most iconic, and polarizing figures in the sport’s history, as well as one of the most flashy and arrogant, which hasn’t sat well with some fans, not to mention that his style of fighting is not always the most appealing to say the least.

A defensive minded genius, Mayweather has been able to make great fighters look average, leading many of his fights to be somewhat boring, specifically his last fight. After years of negotiations, “Money” finally took on the only man many thought could beat him last May, none other than Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, and Mayweather dominated.

Serving as one of the biggest events in sport’s history, many criticized Mayweather of running, and many fans were disgusted that they had pay 100 dollars for the event.

Despite the criticism, Mayweather has had a triumphant career nonetheless, and it may all be coming to an end next month, as “Money” is set to fulfill the final fight on his contract with Showtime on September 12, 2015, and he has claimed that after the bout he will hang up his gloves for good.

Showtime Executive Stephen Espinoza, speaking with Boxingscene.com, spoke up on the deal, noting how huge it has been, while stating that it has exceeded all expectations:

“When Showtime Networks, and Floyd Mayweather teamed up for the first time in 2013, it was called a record-breaking deal – and that’s exactly what it has been” said Espinoza. “Through five fights of the six-fight term, the results have exceeded our grandest expectations.”

As far as Mayweather’s last fight, in typical Mayweather fashion, he is receiving tons of criticism for his choice of opponent. News broke yesterday that Mayweather would be taking on 30-3 Andre Berto, and fans are not too happy.

Twitter blew up, with some fans saying that Mayweather is taking the easy way out, and some websites even have “Money” as a monstrous 80-1 favorite. Berto is actually unknown by many, and he has gone just 3-3 his last six bouts, making it obvious why fans are upset.

However, ironically, Espinoza is not worried about the reactions, and he actually believes that Berto is a worthy opponent saying that he believes Berto will be aggressive, and that he will be a legit threat to “Money’s” throne:

“Floyd has never hesitated to take on the best of the best in his division. In Andre Berto, Floyd has chosen an opponent who always comes to fight, and always entertains. Berto’s power and athleticism make him a legitimate threat against any opponent, and against Floyd, we expect Berto to be as aggressive as ever.” Espinoza said.

Is Showtime just looking to save face here and defend their golden boy, or can Berto truly offer up a challenge? I’d have to join the thousands of fans who believe this will be yet another squash match, but this is the fight game, anything can happen…