Mayweather Vs. Tenshin: The Full Story
Floyd Mayweather's exhibition fight against Tenshin Nasukawa was one of the most talked-about events in combat sports history. Here’s everything you need to know about the fight.
The Buildup to Mayweather vs. Tenshin
The fight between Floyd Mayweather and Tenshin Nasukawa was announced in November 2018, sending shockwaves through the boxing and kickboxing communities. Mayweather, a legendary boxer with a perfect 50-0 record, was set to face Tenshin, a young and talented kickboxer, in an exhibition match. The event was scheduled to take place on December 31, 2018, at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
Why This Fight Was Unique
- Cross-Discipline Clash: A boxer against a kickboxer.
- Mayweather's Return: Interest was high in seeing Mayweather back in action, even in an exhibition.
- New Audience: It brought attention to both boxing and kickboxing from a broader audience.
The Fight: Mayweather's Dominance
The fight itself was short-lived. Mayweather dominated Tenshin from the opening bell, knocking him down three times in the first round. Tenshin's corner stopped the fight, declaring Mayweather the winner by TKO. The entire bout lasted just 139 seconds.
Key Moments
- Opening Bell: Mayweather came out aggressively, putting immediate pressure on Tenshin.
- First Knockdown: A powerful right hand sent Tenshin to the canvas.
- Second and Third Knockdowns: Mayweather continued to land heavy blows, leading to two more knockdowns.
- Fight Stoppage: Tenshin's corner decided to protect their fighter, ending the bout.
The Aftermath and Reactions
The fight generated mixed reactions. Some praised Mayweather for his performance, while others criticized the mismatch. Tenshin, despite the loss, gained valuable experience and exposure on a global stage.
Criticisms and Praise
- Mismatch: Many felt the fight was a mismatch due to the difference in experience and rules.
- Entertainment Value: Others argued it was an entertaining spectacle.
- Tenshin's Courage: Some admired Tenshin for taking on such a formidable opponent.
What Happened Next?
After the fight, Mayweather continued to participate in exhibition bouts, while Tenshin focused on his kickboxing career. Both fighters remained relevant in their respective sports, and the memory of their encounter continues to fascinate fans.
Where Are They Now?
- Floyd Mayweather: Continues to be involved in exhibition fights and business ventures.
- Tenshin Nasukawa: Transitioned to professional boxing after a successful kickboxing career.
This exhibition match remains a significant event in combat sports history, highlighting the crossover appeal and entertainment value of such spectacles. The combination of Mayweather's star power and Tenshin's potential created a memorable, though brief, moment in sports history.
