In the wake of one of boxing’s most anticipated super-fights, Floyd Mayweather has unleashed a torrent of fury, demanding that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez retire from the sport immediately. The call came after Canelo’s shocking unanimous decision loss to Terence “Bud” Crawford in a blockbuster showdown for the undisputed super middleweight title, a defeat that reportedly cost Mayweather a cool $50,000 on a personal wager. “He should retire!” Mayweather bellowed during a heated post-fight rant on social media, his words igniting a firestorm among fans and analysts alike. The undefeated legend, who has long been a mentor figure to Canelo, didn’t hold back, labeling the performance as a “disgrace” and questioning whether the Mexican superstar still has what it takes to compete at the elite level.

The fight, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, pitted two of boxing’s pound-for-pound kings against each other in a clash that promised fireworks but delivered a masterclass in technical dominance from Crawford. The Nebraska native, moving up from welterweight with surgical precision, outboxed Canelo over 12 rounds, landing crisp combinations and frustrating the Mexican with superior footwork. Judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, and 117-111 in Crawford’s favor, handing Canelo his second professional loss and ending his reign as undisputed champion. Canelo, gracious in defeat, admitted Crawford’s speed and angles were overwhelming but vowed to bounce back. Yet, Mayweather’s explosive reaction overshadowed the post-fight presser, turning the narrative into a mentor-protégé meltdown.

Mayweather, who fought Canelo twice in his career—defeating him in 2013 before a controversial rematch draw in 2018—has invested heavily in the younger fighter’s success, both financially and emotionally. Sources close to the situation reveal that Floyd placed a $50,000 bet on Canelo to win, a sum that’s pocket change for the multi-millionaire but stung his pride deeply. “I told him to stay sharp, but he looked slow out there. If he can’t beat Bud, who’s next? It’s time to hang ’em up before he gets hurt,” Mayweather fumed in a video that racked up millions of views within hours. The demand for retirement stunned the boxing world, as Canelo, at 34, is still in his physical prime and boasts a record of 62-2-2, with wins over legends like Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.

Fans and pundits are divided on Mayweather’s outburst. Some see it as tough love from a concerned icon, pointing to Canelo’s recent struggles, including a loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022. Others brand it as sour grapes, arguing that Floyd’s ego can’t handle seeing his protégé falter, especially after the financial hit. Crawford, ever the class act, praised Canelo’s heart in the ring but sidestepped the drama, focusing on his own historic achievement as the first male boxer to become undisputed champion in two weight classes. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who co-promotes Canelo, dismissed Mayweather’s comments as “emotional noise,” insisting the fighter’s next bout—rumored against David Benavidez—will silence the critics.

This controversy adds another layer to boxing’s intricate web of rivalries and alliances. Mayweather’s demand raises questions about Canelo’s future: Will he heed the advice and step away with his legacy intact, or fight on to reclaim his throne? At a time when the sport craves unity, this feud highlights its cutthroat underbelly. As Canelo licks his wounds, the boxing community watches closely, wondering if the demand for retirement is the final bell or just the opening round of a bigger saga.