Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has responded after coming under criticism for the post-retirement exhibition bouts he’s competing in.
While he ended his professional pugilism career following his 50th victory, which came in a megafight opposite former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor in 2017, Mayweather has maintained a presence in the sport’s mainstream by entering the ring for numerous exhibition contests.
As well as facing Japanese kickboxing great Tenshin Nasukawa and his compatriot, mixed martial arts fighter Mikuru Asakara, “Money” has also laced the gloves for matches with some prominent YouTubers.
That includes Logan Paul, whom Mayweather met last June in a non-scored bout that went the distance and was billed as “Bragging Rights.” Most recently, Mayweather returned to facing online stars, colliding with Deji.
The pair headlined the Global Titans Fight Series event this past weekend. Unsurprisingly, given that the British YouTuber entered the bout with one win in four boxing outings, Mayweather stopped Deji with ease.
While criticism of his exhibitions has long been present, the lack of experience and the defeats on Deji’s record saw Mayweather’s latest matchup widely slammed. And the manner of the bout, which saw “Money” dancing and joking around, as well as allegedly pulling his punches at times, has done nothing to disperse the scrutiny.
But although many fans and boxing commentators have suggested that the former multi-weight champion is damaging his legacy, Mayweather doesn’t care as long as he’s lining his pockets…
Mayweather: “Currency Over Legacy”
Speaking at the post-fight press conference after his sixth-round stoppage victory over Deji at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, Mayweather hit back at those who continue to criticize the exhibition fights he’s appearing in.
For Mayweather, a constant flow of cash is his “philosophy.” With that in mind, the 45-year-old has his full focus on paydays rather than further cementing or enhancing his legacy inside the ring.
“A lot of time people say, ‘Oh, Floyd have to do exhibitions.’ My philosophy is never stop getting it (money),” Mayweather said. “Currency over legacy. Currency over legacy.” (h/t Express)
If there’s one thing that Mayweather’s exhibitions are netting him, it’s money. According to reports, the 50-0 retired pro raked in around $30 million for his bout with Deji. With that in mind, and given his “philosophy,” fans can perhaps expect similar exhibitions in 2023 and beyond.
The fights suck, have zero meaning, very clownish and makes him look bad, he has a point, why not? easy fight against a youtuber who ive never heard of that poses zero threat for 30 million? fuck why not, he just wont get any money from me for that trash, but obviously someone is paying
Legitimate question because I have no idea about Floyd’s finances but does he ever invest any of his money? He seems like he spends it as quick as he makes it.
I saw during the buildup to mcgregor he owns a strip club but that’s all I’ve seen.
Yes he invests. He has properties around the world and heard he’s invested a lot into sky scrapers.
“Absolutely No One Is Buying That” – Fans React To Floyd Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers Price
The event will cost £32 to view, a fee that many are questioning. Even major professional title bouts such as Tyson Fury vs. Derek Chisora III and Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk II were cheaper to purchase last year.
Needless to say, the price tag has not gone down well with the public.
“Not that I’m interested in the slightest to watch this fight, this is a great example of how difficult it is for boxing fans to follow the sport, over £30 for a fight is ridiculous,” one fan wrote.
“It would make more money if it cost £5,” another user commented with a third adding: “Absolutely no one is buying that.” A fourth reply read: “The only thing Floyd loves more than money is spending it.” (h/t The Mirror)
The fight comes less than a year after Chalmers’ pro-boxing debut. In June 2022, the former Geordie Shore star defeated Alexander Zeledon on points after four rounds of combat. Needless to say, this exhibition bout will be a huge step-up as he’ll be facing one of the greatest, most accomplished fighters in the history of the sport.
They’re not wrong, that’s a crazy price for such a ppv…However that’s standard ppv price, might even be a little less, than what fans in North America are expected to pay. They have it pretty good across the pond, with alot of ppv events included in their regular tv programming.
If anyones dumb enough to pay for it then let Floyd rob his own brain dead fans
They’re happy to see him fight a celebrity and he’s happy to take their money. It’s a fair exchange