What do you get the man who has everything? Nothing, if you're boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr..
At least not on Christmas or some of the other conventional holidays after the 45-year-old proclaimed he's "better than that." Mayweather took the time out on Christmas Eve to emphasise his own gift-giving habits, telling his 28.5million Instagram followers he'd prefer to receive gifts when they're less expected.
"I will not be accepting gifts on Christmas, my birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Father’s Day," wrote the 15-time former world champion. "I constantly give gifts all throughout the year because I feel every day is worth celebrating and not just some commercialized holiday.
"Where’s the thought behind a gift if it’s only given on a holiday? You only think of giving me a gift when society says you should give gifts? I understand people can’t give me what I give them, but it’s the small thoughtful things that count. It’s all about reciprocation. The random gift on any given day is priceless, not the gifts I receive four times a year. I’m better than that."
Mayweather is one of the highest-paid athletes of all time and frequently displays his vast wealth on social media. Some in his close circle may be relieved to discover they don't have to buy 'The Best Ever' 'holiday presents'—though his announcement adds certain pressure to the other 360 days or so of the year.
The retired star is no stranger to random acts of kindness and was praised for dispersing $100 bills among a group of kids selling sweets at an NBA game in February. Mayweather more recently repeated the gesture in an act of early Christmas kindness by sharing $5,000 (£4,150) between a group of five boys at another basketball match.
One could hardly fault 'Pretty Boy' for his gift-giving ability, though his reluctance to accept presents on certain days might bear some strange comparison to Ebenezer Scrooge. The Charles Dickens character from 'A Christmas Carol' infamously despised the yuletide season and all it represented before a journey with the three Ghosts of Christmas converted him into a more generous soul.
Fans need not bank on Mayweather having his own redemption arc this winter. The former 50-0 fighter's earnings reportedly topped $1billion during his career, yielding little reason for him to start changing his ways now.
Needless to say Mayweather will (of course) be accepting presents once again from Boxing Day onwards. 'Money' most recently beat YouTuber Deji in his latest exhibition bout in November and has been linked with a clash against Anthony Taylor in the New Year.
