Don’t get too excited about Floyd Mayweather’s next trip through the ropes…
What was initially hyped as a potential cross-sport clash with undefeated kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa has now been clarified as no more than an exhibition contest.
Mayweather shocked the world when he appeared alongside the Japanese prodigy, Nasukawa, at a press conference in early November to announce that the pair would be competing against one another on RIZIN FF’s New Year’s Eve card.
Confusion followed when Mayweather quickly ruled himself out of the bout by insisting that he had been misled by RIZIN officials and was “blindsided by the arrangements that were being made without my consent nor approval.”
Mayweather won't want anything to do with leg kicks https://t.co/qhaqXA0V3L
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 5, 2018
But the match-up was soon back on when it was confirmed as an exhibition showing which will be contested over three three-minute rounds under straight boxing rules.
The pair will wear RIZIN’s own 8oz. gloves and weigh no more than 147lbs for the exhibition, which is scheduled for New Year’s Eve in Tokyo.
Interestingly, no judges will be in place and being an exhibition match, neither fighter’s undefeated record will be on the line.
“I love competing against fighters from all walks of life like in my amateur days,” Mayweather said. “It’s all about entertainment. Nine minutes of entertainment. It’s going to be amazing.
Floyd Mayweather isn't the only one being approached by an Asian kickboxer https://t.co/kNdIkKECo1
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 24, 2018
“I’m in the entertainment business. That’s what I go out there to do. I love to do this. I’m working out to put on a show for three rounds.”
The fight can be ordered pre-ordered to watch here.
Nasukawa will be giving up plenty of size to the boxing legend, who most recently competed against UFC superstar Conor McGregor and moved to 50-0 with a 10th round TKO.
Nasukawa has been sparring with Jorge Linares in Las Vegas recently and can’t wait for the opportunity to compete against Mayweather on New Year’s Eve.
“There’s never been a Japanese fighter to face Floyd Mayweather in the ring,” Nasukawa said. “As an athlete, this is something that’s a great honour and a challenging task. I’d like to make a big impression.”
