In what can only be described as shocking news, Rizin Fighting Federation has announced that multiple time Boxing World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather will make a return to combat sports at Rizin 14, December 31st.
Mayweather 41, (50-0, 27 Kos as a pro boxer) held titles in 5 different weight classes. His next challenge will come in the form of 20 year old Japanese sensation Tenshin Nasukawa (4-0 in MMA & 27-0, 21 Kos in Kickboxing).
“Money” retired from boxing for the 3rd time after defeating Conor McGregor in August of 2017. The 1996 Olympian is in the conversation for greatest pugilist of all time, with a who’s who list of opponents he’s beaten. Mayweather Jr. is still highly active in the business of Boxing with the Mayweather Boxing Club & Mayweather Promotions.
Nasukawa has 3 of his 4 MMA victories by stoppage, finishing Nikita Sapun with punches, submitting Dylan Oligo by guillotine, and taking care of Francesco Ghigliotti with a variety of strikes. Nasukawa last fought at the end of September handing mma standout Koyji Horiguchi a decision loss in a kickboxing match.
The bout which has not had it’s rules set announced yet, will take place New Years Eve at the historic Saitama Super Arena. Also it’s not yet known what weight this fight will be at. Nasukawa got on the scale for Rizin 13 at 127.9 lbs., while Mayweather weighed 149.5 for his last McGrgeor fight & 146 for the fight prior.
Press Conference Announcement Video Below.
