The Money Man equalled Rocky Marciano's record in the familiar surroundings of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but insisted after he won't be attempting to break new ground with a 50th bout.
Berto struggled to land a meaningful punch as Mayweather danced his way to victory, interacting with the crowd mid-round and showboating towards the end.
The fight was everything boxing fans feared beforehand as Berto failed to impress the judges and a packed-out audience. "My career is over, that's official," Mayweather said afterwards.
"You've got to know when to hang it up. I'm close to 40 now. There's nothing left to prove in the sport of boxing. Now I just want to spend time with my family."
The MGM Grand wasn't buzzing and brimming like it was on May 2nd this year when Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao, but the fighter could still rely on Justin Bieber to accompany him to the ring.
And when the action got underway, Mayweather controlled the proceedings, taking the early rounds with very little trouble.
With round three complete - and another to Mayweather - Berto had barely landed a meaningful shot.
Four and five also went to the pound-for-pound No.1 as he started to open up and attack a little more.
Even when Berto did improve in round six, it wasn't a clear victory.
A restless crowd jeered rather cheered as neither Mayweather nor Berto were able to land a knockout blow.
And again it calls into question whether Mayweather will go down as one of the very best in boxing history because of his defensive style.
Referee Kenny Bayless warned the pair to stop their trash talk in round 10, before the world champion - so confident of his victory - started to showboat in the 11th round.
Still the jeers grew in the final round as the crowd yearned for a knockout blow, but it didn't come and the three judges scored in his favour.
Mayweather went into the fight claiming it would be his last.
"I've always said 49 is my last fight," he explained.
"I've been pushed to the limit and there's nothing left to accomplish."
But the temptation to pass Rocky Marciano's 49-fight unbeaten record, and one final pay day in a career that has seen him earn more than half-a-billion dollars, means we're unlikely to have seen the last of him yet.
Floyd Mayweather vs Andre Berto - round-by-round
Round One
Mayweather comes out pumping his jab to head and body.
No real combinations to speak of, however. He’s throwing a shot at a time and surely did enough to pocket a fairly uneventful round.
The opener goes to Money May.
Round Two
Berto, already, needs to think of changing his tactics.
If he believes he’s going to outbox Maywaether in the centre of the ring, he’s wrong. Totally wrong.
Floyd’s not doing much but he’s probably done enough to pinch another round. 2-0.
Round Three
Another Mayweather round. This has been too easy thus far.
If Berto has any hope of winning, he needs to take more risks. He’s barely landed a meaningful shot.
He needs to eat some leather if he’s got any chance.
Round Four
Floyd started to open up a bit in that round, landing a big right hand. The best punch of the fight - and that shook his opponent.
He could be set to step up the pace you fancy.
Here’s round five...
Round Five
Already there are a few boos around the MGM. Tough to say whether that’s because of Berto’s inactivity or for Floyd’s reluctance to press for the knockout.
This is typical Floyd, though. Lots of classy-looking work, but no hint of a knockdown as yet.
Will Floyd look to close the show? And more pertinently, is there anything Berto can do to stop the slide?
Round Six
Berto’s best round of the fight so far. Did he do enough to pinch the round? Tough to say.
He’s already got some swelling around the eye.
And we’re into the second half of the fight, assuming it goes the distance!
Round Seven
Is the tide beginning to turn?
Berto managed to engage Mayweather in a couple of exchanges in that round, and he may have won the session.
The pattern of the fight is slowly changing. But it could be too late, having given away so many rounds already.
Round Eight
If Mayweather is the best ever (TBE), he needs to press the action now.
Great fighters of the past - Leonard, Robinson et al - would be looking for a knockout against a willing, but limited opponent like Berto.
Time to step on the gas, Floyd!
Round Nine
It’s a technical masterclass from Money May at the moment. There’s a gulf in skill between these two.
Even under pressure on the ropes, Floyd looks very calm.
Berto is talking some trash to his opponent, but Floyd is winning the argument with his fists. Another round to Floyd.
Round Ten
Curious moment in round 10, with the ref stopping the action to insist the two fighters end their trash-talking.
Berto is still pressing the action, but this looks like another easy pay day for Mayweather.
Even at 38, he is lightening quick, proving too elusive for Berto.
Round Eleven
Right. Three minutes left in the fight.
Berto has one round to win the bout, change history and become a legend.
Do you think he can do it? Here we go...
Round Twelve
Almost too easy for Mayweather!
Without pushing himself to the limits of his talent, Floyd has eased to another victory at the MGM. Not everyone is impressed, however, as a few boos ring around the arena.
The scorecards all in his favour. It's 49-0 for Money May.
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