Floyd Mayweather will step into the ring for the second time this year on Saturday night in Japan.
He faces Japanese MMA star Mikuru Asakura in the main event of a Rizin event at the Saitama Super Arena, with fans excited to see him return for another bout in Asia after his quick knockout of Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018. The kick-boxing prodigy was undefeated in MMA and kick-boxing before facing Mayweather in an exhibition bout, and hasn't lost since.
But he was brutalised within a round by the much bigger and more experienced boxing legend, who showboated on his way to a comfortable victory. Since then, Mayweather has taken on exhibition bouts with Logan Paul and Don Moore, the former being a major pay-per-view hit in America selling over 1million pay-per-views.
It is expected that Mayweather will continue taking exhibitions despite last year insisting that he was done. Reports already indicate that he has another one lined up for November against YouTuber Deji, assuming this one goes to plan.
Here's all you need to know about this weekend's exhibition...
What time will Floyd Mayweather vs Mikuru Asakura start in the UK?
The event will begin at 4am in the UK on Sunday morning, September 25. Expect the main event ring walks about an hour or two later. There is only four bouts confirmed including the main event, but if Mayweather's last exhibitions are anything to go by, don't expect this event to just go from fight-to-fight within minutes. There is a chance that the main event could begin as late as 5.30am or 6am, given how late the card starts and the likely delays when Mayweather fights overseas.
How to watch Floyd Mayweather vs Mikuru Asakura via TV and live stream
The event is being broadcast on Fite TV, where fans can purchase the event for $20, or around £17.60 . You can purchase it by clicking this link, and stream the event on your computer, or television, as well as on your phone through the Fite TV app.
Super Rizin fight card
Main Event: Floyd Mayweather vs Mikuru Asakura
Nadaka Yoshinari vs. Bandasak - Professional kick-boxing
Kota Miura vs. B. Phonsungnoen - Professional MMA
Koji Tanaka vs. Ray Sadeghi - Openweight 'striking' contest
Quotes corner
Floyd Mayweather
“I had so many great days competing at the highest level, but this is a great feeling now to be able to travel the world and do these exhibition bouts and have fun. My legacy is already engraved in stone. It’s great to be able to entertain people around the world and from all walks of life.
“This guy is going to come out and give his best, like every and any guy. But I’ve seen every style, so my job is just to go out there be me, have fun and do what I do best.
“I know that he believes in his skill, but no fighter that he’s ever been in the ring with is Floyd Mayweather. These other guys are just fighters, but I’m Floyd Mayweather. I’m on a different level. I’m special. Not just special, very special."
Mikuru Asakura
“I’m an MMA fighter, but I’m going to use this opportunity and use Mayweather to raise my name and value internationally. I will win this fight.”
