Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) announced on Sunday night that he will participate in a fight at an event at the Rizin Fighting Federation, a Japanese mixed martial arts organisation.
The undefeated champ will be fighting on December 31 against Tenshin Nasakawa (4-0) at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
The Rizin Fighting Federation was founded in 2015 by Nobuyuki Sakakibara. The latter was president of the Pride Fighting Championships, an organization that competed with the UFC between 1997 and 2007.
It’s unclear whether Mayweather will be fighting under the rules of boxing, MMA or a combination of the two. However, the rules of both fighters are still being worked.
“As far as the rule set and the weight and the rules, we still have some work cut out for us. But it will be a great fight that everybody will be so excited to see.” RIZIN Federation president Nobuyuki Sakakibara said.
Nasukawa is an accomplished Japanese kickboxer in his country, who fights in the 126 lbs weight division at featherweight. Mayweather, meanwhile, would have a 21 lb weight advantage against the 20-year-old fighter.
“I think my role as a fighter is to make sure that fighting here in Japan gathers a lot of excitement. When I was offered this card, I accepted it right away without any delay whatsoever.” Nasukawa sadi.
“You might be surprised after hearing this announcement, and honestly speaking I’m a little surprised myself. Nobody has defeated my opponent in the pas and I would like to be the man who makes history. My punch can change history and I will show that to you.” he added.
Tenshin Nasakawa reveals he is preparing to face the undefeated champ Floyd Mayweather in December. (Source:www.mirror.co.uk)
Mayweather stopped Conor McGregor in the 10th round in 2017. The duel was an expensive one for boxing fans, who had to pay $ 100 per household to watch it on PPV.
The 41-year-old boxer had been hoping to face Khabib Nurmagomedov in next year. That fight was unable to take place due to UFC president Dana White saying retired boxer would need to agree to fight in the MMA.
“This kid right here is very, very special. He’s powerful, he’s fast, he’s strong. I’m older now. I think that when it comes to experience, I have more experience on my side. But when it comes to youth, youth is on his side.” Mayweather said.
