Floyd Mayweather Jr. Says 'God Can Forgive' Him for Criminal Past Following Victory Over Manny Pacquiao
Undefeated five-division champion boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., who on Saturday defeated challenger Manny Pacquiao in the promoted "Fight of the Century" in Las Vegas, told a reporter that "God can forgive" him of his criminal past.
"Only God can judge me when it's all said and done," Mayweather said only minutes after his victory on Saturday about whether his criminal past taints his legacy, ABS-CBN news.com reported.
"You know, people will never forget, but God can forgive. I asked God for forgiveness. You know, a lot of things I've been accused of, I didn't do," he added.
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Mayweather has faced numerous criminal charges throughout his career, and in 2012 served a two-month prison sentence for battery on his former girlfriend, Josie Harris.
Following Saturday's victory he said, however, that his main concern is providing for his children and making sure they receive the best education.
Mayweather holds a 48-0 record in professional boxing, and has said that he will vacate all five of his world titles. The 38-year-old fighter is looking for his last fight to be in September, the Independent reported, though it will be for prestige rather than for championships.
"I decided backstage that I will give them up. I don't know if that will happen on Monday or maybe a couple weeks," the American boxer said about relinquishing his titles.
He added that he wants to give other boxers a chance going forward.
"I'll talk to my team and see what we need to do. Other fighters need a chance. I'm not greedy," he said. "I'm a world champion in two different weight classes. It's time to let other fighters fight for the belt."
Meanwhile Philippines President Benigno Aquino III said that Pacquiao did the country proud despite the loss.
"Filipinos can hold their heads up high. ... Pacquiao did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time, Floyd Mayweather," the president said in a statement via Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
Aquino also thanked Pacquiao "for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future.
"He is a worthy exemplar that the Filipino is able to compete in the global arena — for as long as there is a level playing field," he added.
