Floyd Mayweather's exhibition rival John Gotti III has admitted he used to study the boxing legend's technique on YouTube.
Retired fighter Mayweather will make his return to the ring in an exhibition fight on June 11 in Florida against MMA fighter and professional boxer Gotti III - grandson of mafia boss John Gotti. It will be the latest lucrative bout for the 50-0 undefeated star who has already shared the ring with the likes of YouTube stars Deji and Logan Paul.
His new opponent has a natural background in fighting having spent time in the professional MMA ranks, but has recently recorded his maiden two wins in the squared circle after making the switch late last year. And the 30-year-old has suggested he is willing to grab the opportunity with both hands despite having huge respect for his counterpart.
"I have never met Floyd before today and not in one million years did I think I would be in this fight," he said at a launch press conference to announce the event. "I was watching Floyd on YouTube previously so the fact I am up here and getting to fight him is a pinch-me moment.
“I did school projects on Floyd. I have been team Mayweather since nine years old but it is time to get it on and fight. I’m going to show him what these previous YouTubers couldn’t do because they suck. But Floyd is going to have to earn his money. This is a real fight I am not here to play and I am ready to fight.
“I grew up idolising Floyd and I’m honoured to have this chance to step into the ring against him. He’s one of the greatest boxers of all time and he’s the reason I got into the fight game. But I’m going to punish him. Make no mistake on June 11 I am bringing bad intentions to that man, and I don't care if it is an exhibition fight or not it is kill or be killed."
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Gotti was confident at the press conference, vowing to take his rival away from the sport, with Mayweather adamant that he will continue to fight across the world. 'Money' has been linked with a whole host of potential contests including rematches with Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao.
However these are extremely unlikely to materialise given his insistence that he will not return against someone capable of inflicting damage. However after his rival's vows, he has admitted it will be down to the 30-year-old to show off his skills and push the pace on the night.
“Gotti I love his confidence," he said. "Whenever you are competing at the highest level, you have to believe in yourself and he believes in himself. He is supposed to have a game plan, he wouldn’t be up here if he didn’t believe his skills. He is carrying the last name but doing it the way he wants to do it."
