Legendary Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather says his next opponent is no different from Manny Pacquiao or Canelo.
Mayweather is preparing to fight in an exhibition against Japanese star and two-weight MMA champion Mikuru Asakura this September on RIZIN in Japan.
Another eight-figure paycheck is in the offing for Mayweather despite his current status as a retired 45-year-old grandfather.
Discussing the challenge that 150-lb Mixed Martial Artist Asakura will pose, Mayweather says the Japan star is simply another opponent like Pacquiao or Canelo Alvarez as he’s too good.
“This guy is going to come out and give his best, like every and any guy. But I’ve seen every style, so my job is just to go out there, be me, have fun and do what I do best.
Mayweather MMA opponent
“Come September in Japan. We’re going to give the people what they want to see. They want to see me still competing and be entertained by Floyd Mayweather.
“I know that he believes in his skill, but no fighter that he’s ever been in the ring with is Floyd Mayweather. These other guys are just fighters, but I’m Floyd Mayweather. I’m on a different level. I’m special. Not just special, very special.
“I don’t have to watch tape on my opponents. He needs to watch me. I’m the one to watch. Everybody I face is just an opponent. It’s no different from facing Manny Pacquiao or Canelo Alvarez.”
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and Canelo
In 2015, Mayweather defeated an injured Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the most lucrative fight event of all time. Two years prior, to out-pointed a young Alvarez at the same venue.
But comparing Asakura to an eight-weight world champion in Pacquiao or the current undisputed super-middleweight ruler in Canelo is a stretch – even for Floyd.
Pacquiao and Canelo both conquered the boxing world as Pound for Pound kings. Meanwhile, Asakura has 16 wins from 20 MMA bouts and has never won a major title.
Floyd will have no trouble securing another exhibition win if it’s anything like his last Mayweather MMA opponent venture into the RIZIN ranks.
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