Mayweather Still Dodging Top Opponents

LAS VEGAS -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. stood on his triumphant post-fight podium Saturday night, flanked by the boxer who openly challenged him in the ring after his win by unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez, and said he is ducking no one.

"Shane Mosley is a good fighter, and he's got an upcoming bout (vs. Joshua Clottey on Dec. 26) and I wish him nothing but the best," Mayweather said of the current WBA welterweight super champion, who jumped into the post-fight ring, grabbed the microphone like Kanye West and openly challenged "Money" to fight him minutes after Marquez had been dispatched.

The confrontation with Mosley in the ring moments after the final bell was about a lack of respect, Mayweather said.

"When Bernard Hopkins, when it's his time to shine, or Shane Mosley, his time to shine, when I go to support and watch them fight, I don't get into the ring, grab the mike and get in the way of their shine," Mayweather explained. "I let it be their night, and I got respect for them as fighters. And I just want the same respect."

What about an anticipated matchup against current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao?

"Pacquiao is going to face Miguel Cotto (Nov. 14) and may the best man win," Mayweather responded.

Mayweather, making his return to the ring following a self-imposed 21-month "retirement" from boxing to pursue show business interests, earned $10 million for this fight, while Marquez took home $2 million.

Cynics have argued that "Money" came back to boxing in order to satisfy millions of dollars in debts to a host of creditors, including a $6.1 million unpaid 2007 tax bill to the Internal Revenue Service.

Mayweather recently defaulted on a $415,000 auto loan on his Mercedes Maybach at 16 percent interest, and the bank repossessed that luxury ride days before fight week commenced in Las Vegas.

Someone asked Mayweather about a rumor that Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions -- who was handling Marquez -- paid off Mayweather's outstanding IRS bill to ensure this much-publicized comeback fight would take place.

"Sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about," said Mayweather, sticking to his story about not owing money to anyone. "Why you want to get into my personal business? I don't get into your personal business."

Mayweather and Marquez agreed to fight this 12-round non-title welterweight bout at a contractually agreed catchweight of 144 pounds. On Friday, Mayweather tipped the scale at 146 pounds, while the smaller Marquez -- who has never fought heavier than 135 pounds -- weighed 142.

As per the contract, Mayweather had to compensate Marquez $300,000 for each pound over the 144 limit. The disparity all but guaranteed Mayweather would dominate his three-inch smaller opponent.

Did Mayweather even try to make weight?

"Honest? I'm gonna be honest. Yesterday (Friday), when I woke up in the morning, at my house, I think I weighed 145 1/2. So I said, 'I'm gonna at least get down to 145. I jogged for 20 minutes on the treadmill. I weighed 145.0 so I thought when I got here (the MGM Grand) I was gonna get on the scale at 145.

"But I ain't trying to complain. If the extra money is something that they wanted, then it is what it is."

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Mayweather-Marquez Photos

Floyd Mayweather of the US (L) punches Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

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Mayweather vs. Marquez Photos

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Manager Leonard Ellerbe hugs Floyd Mayweather Jr. after Mayweather Jr. defeated Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico by unanimous decision during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr;Leonard Ellerbe

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Floyd Mayweather (L) of the US ducks a punch by Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather went on to win the 12 round bout. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

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Floyd Mayweather (L) of the US is hit by Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather went on to win the 12 round bout. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

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Floyd Mayweather (R) of the US lands a punch on Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather went on to win the 12 round bout. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

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Rap singer Sean Combs (L) and basket ball legend Magic Johnson (R) attend the fight between Floyd Mayweather of the US and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

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Former boxer Mike Tyson attends the fights between Floyd Mayweather of the US and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

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