Floyd Mayweather jr, who may be the most polarising figure in all of sport, fights for the last time in Las Vegas this weekend.

Should we care?

Of course we should. There are those who claim Mayweather is bad for boxing, but he’s one of the main reasons people talk about boxing. Like Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard before him, he transcends his sport.

Sugar Ray was adored and Tyson has become a redemptive figure, but the Mayweather shtick is pure malevolence. He entertains himself (and some of us) by flaunting his riches and his prowess as a fighter. He wears his haughtiness like a badge of honour.

The selling point to this weekend’s fight has less to do with opponent Andre Berto than Mayweather chasing down Rocky Marciano’s mythical 49-0 career mark. It’s a staggering record given the nature of the business and it’s one Mayweather has relentlessly pursued since turning pro 19 years ago.

Mayweather has told anyone who will listen that this really is his final fight. He says his kids are getting big and training has become a drudge. He wants to live a little, away from the crazy environment he helped create.

His advisors and trainers insist this is true, but the maverick and fighter that Mayweather is suggests he will hang around for another go, beyond this weekend. Insiders claim he will go for 50-0 next year with another tango with Manny Pacquiao, presumably a fitter version than the one who succumbed in May.

Berto doesn’t rank among the glitterati of the welterweight division, but one fight above all should define the danger he presents to Mayweather this weekend.

Two years ago he fought Jesus Soto Karass. In the second round Berto tore the tendon in his right shoulder and was visibly in pain. He fought on with just his left arm, even dropping Karass, before being stopped on his feet in the 12^th. It showed staggering bravery and exemplified Berto’s warrior spirit.

There’s every chance Mayweather will outbox him, but Berto won’t die wondering. He will bring it hard and heavy, which is why I’m betting it will be a better fight than most anticipate.

You can catch it live on SuperSport 2 from 3am on Sunday.