As expected, Floyd Mayweather vs. Tenshin Nasukawa will be no more than a short exhibition match.
While mystery initially surrounded the details of the bout when it was announced by mixed martial arts promotion Rizin FF last month, we now know what to expect of the contest.
Mayweather had pulled out of the match-up after claiming that he’d been misled but he is back on for the meeting with Nasukawa, an undefeated kickboxer.
The rules for the “fight” were announced by a press release on Thursday, via MMA Fighting.
At a media day, it was confirmed that Mayweather vs. Nasukawa would 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.
“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.”
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 later this month.
“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.”
