LAS VEGAS - Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather scoffed at claims he is showing signs of ageing, saying he's kept his perfect record intact because of his ability to make mid-fight adjustments.
Mayweather won his second straight fight over Marcos Maidana, beating the Argentine slugger by a unanimous decision Saturday night at the MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, to retain his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association titles.
"I can't say what ageing felt like. I felt like the winner," said Mayweather, who turns 38 in February.
"I can make adjustments instantly and that is one of the pluses on my side."
Before the 11th round, Mayweather's father told him to stay out of trouble and save energy in the 11th then come out firing in the 12th to make a good impression on the judges.
"My dad was like 'in the 12th, I want you to be sharp. Exchange with him and make it look good'," Maywheather said.
"I decided to do it the other way. I wanted to box in the 11th and move in the 12th.
"I had a brilliant game plan, even in 12th round. If I knew I had the fight in the bag, why would I try to go out there and fight toe-to-toe? I would mess my legacy up. Why would I mess my legacy up?"
Mayweather was frustrated often during the fight by what he labelled as dirty tactics by Maidana. He said Maidana bit him on the hand in the eighth round.
Maidana denies the charge, saying that Mayweather intentionally poked him in the eye.
"We clinched and we came together. My hand was under him and he bit my three fingers. My middle finger busted open through the glove when he bit me," said Mayweather. - AFP