Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr marked another victory in his exhibition boxing career after dropping RIZIN featherweight Mikuru Asakura in the second round of their main event clash at Super RIZIN & RIZIN 38 event this Saturday night at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
The fight marked Mayweather’s second RIZIN event as well as his fourth exhibition bout since retiring from his professional career with an impeccable 50-0 record. In his last Rizin appearance, ‘Money’ defeated Tenshin Nasukawa.
The Mayweather vs. Asakura fight commenced with Asakura going on the early offensive, with Mayweather patiently walking him down while avoiding body shots. The veteran utilized head movements while blocking Asakura’s jabs, who failed to make proper connections. Mayweather landed some body shots before the end of the first round.
The second round saw a similar start, with Mayweather on the aversion from Asakura’s blows, while landing jabs to break into the Japanese fighter’s defense. Asakura did make a huge right hand haymaker but that barely left Mayweather scathed. While Asakura continued to absorb Mayweather’s strikes, he went down at the final bell of the second round, courtesy of three consecutive right hooks from Mayweather, before the referee Kenny Bayless waved off the contest, awarding Mayweather a win via TKO.
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“I would like to thank the whole country of Japan. Unbelievable country, unbelievable people, exciting crazy turnout. A round of applause for this tough competitor here,” Mayweather said after the win, “I would like to thank RIZIN, [Nobuyuki Sakakibara], for making this happen. A round of applause for my team. I want to thank you guys. Another unbelievable experience. Another legend right here, eight-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao. Great champion, unbelievable fighter… I’m just happy to be here. Thanks again.”
“Thanks for having me. I’ll be back,” the 45-year-old added. [H/T MMA Fighting]