Former five-division champion Floyd Mayweather Jr’s fist did not work with the Japanese mixed martial arts fighter he faced in the exhibition match. After the fight, there was talk of a possible confrontation between Mayweather and eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao.
In this Sunday’s fight at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, Mayweather ended his fight with Mikuru Asakura in round two, which Pacquiao witnessed.
Although Asakura also received punches, Mayweather released a solid right hand that stopped the Japanese fighter’s ferocity.
“I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy that we were able to give the fans excitement tonight. Thanks for having me,” said Mayweather.
“I’ll be back,” he added.
Pacquiao was with his wife, Jinkee, watching the Mayweather fight. Mayweather and Pacquiao even took a picture together.
The two first clashed in the ring in 2015, where Mayweather won unanimously. However, therebelieve that Pacquiao should have won because he was more aggressive in the fight.
Such a fight between the two is said to make history in boxing regarding earnings.
Mayweather retired from pro boxing after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017. Since then, he has competed in several exhibition fights.
Mayweather defeats Japanese MMA fighter Asakura
Meanwhile, Pacquiao retired from pro boxing in 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugas, and ran for president of the country.
Pacquiao is also scheduled to compete in an exhibition match in December against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo, and his former sparring partner Jaber Zayani in February 2023.
In July, trainer Freddie Roach said he does not want Manny Pacquiao to fight in the ring again.
According to Roach, who guided Pacquaio to become the eight-division champion, the so-called Pambansang Kamao has nothing to prove.
“I think he’s finished [with boxing]. I don’t think he has anything more to prove. He’s done everything he can, I feel. He doesn’t owe anything to anybody. If he does want to come back and fight again, I hope he picks me as his trainer,” Freddie Roach told boxingscene.com.
“He likes going to different cities. He brings his family and his wife with him. He likes to travel. He’s doing something he enjoys. His wife doesn’t want him to fight anymore, from what I hear. If he calls me and asks me, I’ll tell him, ‘You don’t need to prove nothing to anybody in the world,’” said the veteran trainer.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.