Mikuru Asakura didn’t hide behind any bravado when outlining his reasons for accepting a fight with Floyd Mayweather on RIZIN.
The Japanese Mixed Martial Arts star is heading into the fall event knowing the chips stack up firmly against him.
Speaking as Mayweather dominated a media room, Asakura aired his views on taking a one-sided challenge before trying to intimate the five-weight world champion at the head-to-head.
“I’m an MMA fighter. But I’m going to use this opportunity and use Floyd Mayweather to raise my name. Also, my value internationally,” said a bewilderingly honest Asakura.
He added tentatively, tongue-in-cheek, “I will win this fight.”
Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the CEO of RIZIN and the man who put the event together, is looking forward to seeing how the clash unfolds.
“I’m very happy to be sitting between these two athletes and announcing our second fight with Floyd Mayweather on RIZIN and against Mikuru Asakura.
“Mayweather was supposed to fight in Japan before the pandemic. But unfortunately, it was postponed. Now RIZIN is thrilled to put on this fight in September.”
Asakura is not the only one taking advantage of Mayweather’s worldwide appeal.
“I’m very excited to be working with Floyd Mayweather. But not only for this fight but in the future. We look at the bigger picture to create more exciting content on our platform.”
Floyd Mayweather RIZIN
Mayweather plans to build on the fun feel that was a breath of fresh air against Don Moore in Abu Dhabi.
“Money” held up ring cards, spoke to the crowd and was in a jovial mood as he dominated his former sparring partner.
On keeping that up, he said: “I had so many great days competing at the highest level. But this is a great feeling now to be able to travel the world, do these exhibition bouts, and have fun.
“My legacy is already engraved in stone. It’s great to be able to entertain people around the world and from all walks of life.”
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