On Sunday night, Floyd Mayweather makes his return to the boxing ring.
A decorated champion and a fighter possessing an undefeated record (50-0), Mayweather has carved his name into boxing history. But for boxing lovers hoping to see Mayweather face off against a rising star in the sport, or even relive his glory days against a fellow legend, that is not what is in store for this evening’s pay per view. Mayweather meets YouTube sensation Logan Paul (0-1), who has no business in the ring with Mayweather.
Mayweather and Paul will wear 10-ounce gloves and have up to eight three-minute rounds to apply their craft. Though no winner will be officially declared, that distinction will be rendered inconsequential if there is a knockout, which is allowed. And this bout is more than an exhibition, it is a pure show.
The only way for this to end is Mayweather knocking out Paul. Likely, that will occur after the fight extends into the later rounds. Paul will earn some respect for lasting longer than expected with Mayweather. This should be solid entertainment, a realm that Paul knows well, and the fight will further amplify the reason that the cerebral Mayweather is nicknamed “Money”.
Mayweather has already stated he plans to make between $50-$100 million for this exhibition. Considering the stakes involved in the fight—and here’s a spoiler: there are none—that is absurdly high. He is also wisely tapping into the public’s desire to see these never-before-imagined exhibition bouts, which are expected to continue. Mayweather can also fight Jake Paul, Logan’s brother, and it will be interesting to see if that is teased at all during Sunday’s pay per view. This is an incredible way for Mayweather, 44, to stay relevant in boxing, continue to make money, and never tarnish his in-ring standing.
The live blog for Mayweather-Paul kicks off Sunday just before the start of the fight–or, should I say, the show.
Justin Barrasso can be reached at . Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
