FLOYD MAYWEATHER has hit out at critics of his exhibition career, insisting he values “currency over legacy.”
The former five-weight world champion has taken part in multiple non-sanctioned bouts since bringing an end to his professional career in the summer of 2017.
Mayweather, 45, has locked horns with two mixed martial artists, a former sparring partner and YouTubers Logan Paul and Deji since his professional retirement.
The fights with Paul and Deji – the latter of which took place in Dubai last weekend – have drawn the bulk of the criticism, although hall-of-famer Mayweather could care less as they’re paying him handsomely.
In his post-fight press conference, he said: “A lot of time people say, ‘Oh, Floyd have to do exhibitions.
“My philosophy is never stop getting it (money). Currency over legacy. Currency over legacy.”
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Mayweather insists the exhibition portion of his career isn’t down to a dwindling bank balance.
He continued: “Believe me, if I don’t ever do another exhibition in my life, I can live a great life.”
Boxing Mayweather legend cruised to victory in his Dubai dust-up with Deji, whom he stopped in the sixth round.
But he was given a black eye by the YouTuber, whom he was full of praise for after the bout.
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He said: “I’m proud of you, keep up the great work.
“I want anyone to go after their dreams, go after what they believe in, continue to work hard and continue to build.
“I didn’t get to where I got to overnight. It took a lot of time, it took a great team. I didn’t do it by myself.
“I’m glad that he landed a good shot. This is a part of fighting, this is a part of entertainment.”
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“These people want to see entertainment and fun and that’s what we both gave them tonight.
“You’re a hell of a fighter, you’re a hell of a competitor, and keep up the great work.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
