Floyd Mayweather handed Asakura his first knockout defeat during an exhibition boxing match at the Super Rizin event in Saitama. After defeating UFC legend Conor McGregor in Las Vegas, Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record. Since then he’s been involved in a series of lucrative exhibitions featuring men of dubious star power (for the most part)
During their catchweight exhibition boxing match, the 45-year-old American caught Asakura (MMA record 16-3) with a right just before the end of the second round. In the second round, Asakura kept delivering powerful blows until being floored by Mayweather just before the final bell. The bout was called off when the referee gave him a chance to get up, but he was unable to counter the 10 count.
A right hand from Floyd just before the bell brings an end to the bout, and Asakura suffers his first KO loss ‼️
『The Battle Cats presents SUPER RIZIN』
🎟PPV🔻https://t.co/xluM3LdybU pic.twitter.com/hivHA3WrUn— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) September 25, 2022
Before the match, Takushi Okuno sparked controversy on social media. He is the head of the Burdock Party, a tiny political organization that was unsuccessful in winning any seats in Japan’s Upper House in 2022. Instead of presenting Mayweather with flowers, Okuno played the role of a guest presenter and tossed an exquisite bouquet of flowers at Mayweather’s feet in the ring.
There are anti-social political groups in Japan. As a promotional act, he bought a RIZIN front row ticket for 4.2 million yen and threw a bouquet of flowers at Mayweather. However, I think President Sakakibara is also responsible for letting the deplorables appear on the ring. pic.twitter.com/nFfFt4nkeI
— ZAKUCONTROLLER (@battleOlympic) September 25, 2022
Japanese fans on Twitter criticized the action as “disrespectful,” and many of them expressed regret toward him. One supporter tweeted, calling it “the most shameful act in the world.” Another said, “He is the shame of Japan.”
Another responded: “Sorry to all of the American boxing community, and Floyd Mayweather Jnr. I am ashamed there are Japanese people like this.”
Despite the uproar, Mayweather praised the audience and promised to return to Japan soon. He pointed out Manny Pacquiao, his fiercest adversary, who was sitting ringside.
Mayweather said, “I would like to thank the whole country of Japan. Unbelievable country, unbelievable people. An exciting, crazy turnout, round of applause for this tough competitor.”
“Another legend right here, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. Great champion. Unbelievable world champion.”
Two of the greatest boxers ever share their thoughts on a memorable main event.@FloydMayweather 🤝 @MannyPacquiao
『The Battle Cats presents SUPER RIZIN』 pic.twitter.com/Lg7BDPkEAu
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) September 25, 2022
The 43-year-old icon Pacquiao entered the ring and hugged Mayweather. It is rumored that the two may schedule a rematch after their 2015 “Fight of the Century.” Pacquiao retired last year but was unsuccessful in his ambition to become president of the Philippines.
Head of Rizin has since apologized for the shameful display.
In a post to his Instagram account, Rizin boss Nobuhiko Sakakibara apologized profusely, calling Okuno a “vile individual.”
“Thank you for all who attended, and tuned in for today’s event,” Sakakibara wrote. “I truly appreciate all 22 fighters from the bottom of my heart.
“And again, we deeply apologize for letting such a vile individual step into the sacred ring.
“We promise that we will make sure such actions will never be taken place ever again.”