Editor’s Note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com
Floyd Mayweather no problem to make his intentions clear.
The 45-year-old Hall of Famer is coming soon knockout victory over Mikuru Asakura in an exhibition Sunday on Super RIZIN headlines in Saitama, Japan. This was his fourth fight since retiring from professional boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record.
In Super RIZIN post-battle press conferenceMayweather was asked if he would fight his old rival Manny Pacquiao, who is in attendance. Mayweather said he won’t be going up against Pacquiao or any high-profile fighters – just a YouTuber or an MMA fighter.
“I’ve retired from the sport, and I’m not going to let the sport leave me,” Mayweather said. “Now I will always put myself in a position where I, like I am, fighting at the highest level. I am commanding and controlling.
“I wouldn’t go in there without the former boxer, the former world champion, torturing my body more. I retired for a reason. I come here to have fun and enjoy myself, sometimes three rounds, sometimes eight rounds, with people who will entertain me with people.
“I won’t be punished to the point where I can’t walk or barely talk. Manny had a great career, but boxing is retired Manny, Manny is not retiring from boxing. There is a difference. Of course, if I were Manny Pacquiao, would I be chasing an exhibition with Floyd Mayweather for payday? Sure I will.
“But at this particular moment, I like people who fight 15-0, 8-0, older people, like me, or YouTubers or MMAs. I will continue to do what I do and command and control. “
But it’s not just about refusing to take greater risks against legitimate threats in the ring. Mayweather isn’t afraid to admit he’s not the boxer he used to be.
Despite dominating his wits, Mayweather knows that his peak boxing days are in the past. He sees this part of his career as entertaining rather than competitive.
“That’s what it’s about, the excitement and people getting the chance to just catch a glimpse of me,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t what I was told before. I’m not ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd or ‘Money’ Mayweather. But I can still go out and entertain people.”
