Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s most recent fight fascinated the public from the moment it was announced, coming against one of the most recognizable MMA stars of all time. Mayweather’s next opponent will send most of his fans on a Google search.
On New Year’s Eve, Mayweather, 41, will again come out of retirement and fight — a match of undetermined rules — Japan’s Tenshin Nasukawa, who is also undefeated in the ring, holding a 27-0 record in kickboxing and a 4-0 mark in MMA.
“When I was offered this, I accepted right away without any delay whatsoever,” Nasukawa said through a translator. “I would probably say this is my biggest event in life so far, and I’m very happy this is going to materialize. I’m a little surprised myself. Nobody has defeated my opponent in the past, and I’d like to be the man who makes history. My punch can change history. I will show that to you, so please stay tuned.”
Nasukawa, 20, has significant hurdles to overcome, beyond experience. Mayweather (50-0) is 5 feet 8. Nasukawa is 5 feet 5. Mayweather fought UFC superstar Conor McGregor at 149.5 pounds. Nasukawa, a southpaw, currently holds the Rizin featherweight belt, at 126 pounds.
Nasukawa began kickboxing in the sixth grade and reportedly built a 99-5-1 amateur record, earning acclaim in February 2017 by knocking out former IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng.
“I’m not particular about the rules, with or without kicks,” Nasukawa said of the upcoming bout with Mayweather. “Boxing rules I wouldn’t mind. My opponent looks taller than he actually is, but I think I could hit him.”
Nasukawa isn’t fearless, though.
“Ghosts are freaky as hell,” he told mixedmartialarts.com last March.
Aliens, too.
“There is definitely life outside of Earth for sure,” Nasukawa said. “I believe they were here before us.”
Apparently, Mayweather will always be here, too.