What you expected?
Savvy boxing fans have rolled their eyes when they learn that Floyd Mayweather will face off against Youtuber Deji Olatunji in an eight-round expo on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.
Mayweather proved why that was, toying with a ridiculously overpowered enemy before stopping him after six rounds.
“These people wanted to be entertained and that’s what we provided for them,” Mayweather said afterward.
Mayweather fights with his hands in most fights because he knows Deji can’t touch him. He can use his reflexes to avoid almost anything that comes his way, even at 45 years old.
The Hall of Famer jumped in, moved and played in front of the crowd in the early rounds, the way he gave fans in Abu Dhabi some form of entertainment rather than a competitive and possibly intentional fight. knock out his opponent.
Mayweather even has fun between rounds, dancing, mitts, anything to add to the show.
Deji slipped in a punch here and there, which was not surprising. That’s what happens when you’re left unprotected against anyone, even those with crude skills.
Then, Mayweather decided to downplay the boom. He ramped up his pace starting in Round 4, apparently as part of his plan to stop Deji late in the game. And that’s what happened.
In the final inning, he made a series of difficult, precise shots, at least one of which injured Deji. That was enough for referee Kenny Bayless, who jumped in to save the loser from a heavier penalty.
“I think it’s an early stop,” Deji said. “I want to continue. Boxing is boxing. I understand.”
Fans also understand. “The fight” is not about boxing. It was a chance to watch an all-time great boxer and a social media star exchange punches for several rounds for fun.
And, apparently, Mayweather isn’t over yet. This is his fourth exhibition, his third this year, since he last engaged in a punishing mind match in 2017. He is sure to capitalize on his popularity by how to continue to face limited opponents like Deji in more exhibitions in the future.
And you can bet he will dominate as he did on Sunday.
