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Floyd Mayweather says Japanese fans will ‘see the old pretty boy’

Author of the article:

Associated Press

Associated Press

Yuri Kageyama

U.S. boxer great Floyd Mayweather takes part in a training session at a gym in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2022.
U.S. boxer great Floyd Mayweather takes part in a training session at a gym in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2022. Photo by RICHARD A. BROOKS /AFP via Getty Images

TOKYO — The undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. says Japanese fans will be able to “see a glimpse of the old pretty boy” when he fights the Manny Pacquiao-trained Mikuru Asakura in a three-round exhibition on Sunday.

The 45-year-old Mayweather told reporters on Saturday that he is in good condition for the clash with Asakura, 30, a mixed martial artist specialist who is making his boxing debut at the Saitama Super Arena north of Tokyo.

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There are no weight restrictions for the bout. “It’s all about having fun,” said Mayweather, who has a perfect 50-0 record.

His long-time Filipino rival Pacquiao, a champion in eight weight divisions, also appeared at Saturday’s press conference.

“Asakura has something to prove tomorrow,” Pacquiao said after a friendly back and forth exchange with Mayweather.

Asakura, who usually weighs about 165 pounds, is more Mayweather’s size than the last opponent the American great met in Japan three years ago.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura face off during a news conference announcing their exhibition boxing bout at The M Resort on June 13, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada.
Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura face off during a news conference announcing their exhibition boxing bout at The M Resort on June 13, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Photo by Ethan Miller /Getty Images

Mayweather floored kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, a bantamweight who fights at around 120 pounds, three times as he scored a first-round win in another exhibition bout.

“I don’t care if my face gets punched out,” Asakura said Friday. “I think he underestimates me so please tell him it’s not going to be as easy as he thinks.”

Mayweather said he doesn’t need money and is doing exhibitions to travel and meet new people.

Ringside seats are going for as much as 1 million yen (US$7,000) and the event has several pay-per-view deals.

According to reports, Mayweather is receiving around US$200 million. “Boxing is like breathing for me,” he said.

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