Undefeated boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather and sensational RIZIN Fighting Federation star Tenshin Nasukawa will battle in a special exhibition fight on New Year’s Eve from Saitama Prefecture Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
The fight–which was announced, then cancelled, then announced once more–is an odd return for Mayweather who is transitioning into a new realm of combat entertainer.
“This is a great way for me to go out there and give people some entertainment,” said Mayweather during a recent press conference. “It’s an exhibition match, but it’s giving me a chance to do something different.”
When the bout was first announced many combat sports fans and betting fans in general were excited at the betting potential of this matchup, that is until it was officially announced as an exhibition.
As reported by Sports Betting Dime, the boxing exhibition between Mayweather and Nasukawa won’t be scored by judges, which is probably why sportsbooks have removed odds for the fight.
However, when odds were available before any rules were established, Mayweather was listed as the heavy favorite to win.
That is because Mayweather is facing a kickboxer who won’t be allowed to kick during the bout.
But Nasukawa doesn’t seem to be taking this bout as an exhibition. He knows there is a lot on the line on New Years Eve.
“There’s never been a Japanese fighter to face Floyd Mayweather in the ring,” said Nasukawa. “As an athlete, this is something that’s a great honor and a challenging task. I’d like to make a big impression.”
It will be interesting to see if on fight night both just go through the motions or actually push each other to compete at a high level. Below are the rules for the special exhibition bout.
The attraction will be based on the following rules and regulations:
- Three minutes per round for three rounds
- Straight boxing rules
- Both will wear either RIZIN 8 ounce gloves
- Weight: 147lbs/67.7kg
- No judges
- This will be full contact competition, but the bout is not going on boxing or MMA records
