Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE: Latest updates, result and reaction from exhibition fight
Re-live updates from the American’s exhibition boxing match against the Japanese mixed martial artist
Floyd Mayweather stopped mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura in the second round of the pair’s exhibition boxing match in Japan on Saturday (24 September).
Boxing icon Mayweather, 45, has competed in a number of exhibition fights since retiring unbeaten as a professional boxer in 2017, and his clash with Asakura, 30, proved one of the more entertaining. The bout at the Saitama Super Arena in Asakura’s home country was scheduled for three three-minute rounds, and a fun opening frame gave way to an even more competitive second round, in which Mayweather dropped Asakura with the final punch before the bell. It was a right cross that clipped Asakura on the ear and sent the Japanese fighter sprawling, and the MMA star was unable to beat referee Kenny Bayless’ count.
Prior to the stoppage, Mayweather made a point of staying light on his feet, with southpaw Asakura drawing big reactions out of the American with feints. In the second round, the intensity increased after Mayweather landed a clean, step-in right cross to the head of Asakura. The shot led Asakura to fire back with greater intent and try for a series of stern hooks in the clinch. After Bayless separated the fighters, Mayweather applied pressure by backing up Asakura, who retaliated with his best spell of the fight, appearing to stun Mayweather somewhat. Both fighters then connected with a number of straight punches in the final seconds of the second round, with Mayweather dropping Asakura on the bell and leaving the mixed martial artist unable to beat Bayless’ count. Re-live updates from Mayweather vs Asakura, below.
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
That’s all from us! Thanks for following the action with The Independent.
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
Read our full fight report here:
Floyd Mayweather stops MMA star Mikuru Asakura in exhibition fight in Japan
The American, 45, finished his 30-year-old opponent with the final punch of the second round
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
“I’m happy we were able to give the fans excitement tonight. Thanks for having me, I’ll be back.”
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
“I would like to thank the whole country of Japan, an incredible country,” Mayweather says.
“A round of applause for this incredible competitor right here.
“Another unbelievable experience. I’m just happy to be here, thanks again.”
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
The final punch that Mayweather threw seemed to catch Asakura on the ear. The Japanese arguably tried to stand too quickly, too.
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
Round 2
A fun first round. More big reactions from Mayweather when Asakura feints, but the American does land a clean, step-in right hand to the head!
That’s one of the best shots so far. Asakura definitely felt it, as he now tries to fire back and ends up getting physical in close. Referee Kenny Bayless soon separates the fighters.
Mayweather targets the body and lands twice in quick succession. The 45-year-old is pressing forward now and lands to the head again.
Asakura comes forward himself and connects with a couple of harsh headshots! Mayweather is smiling back at the Japanese... Good head movement from Mayweather to get off the ropes. Mayweather is warned for a low blow.
A really competitive round ends with both men landing multiple straight shots up top, just before the bell!
WOW! Mayweather drops Asakura with the final punch of the round... and Asakura won’t beat the count!!!
It’s waved off!
Mayweather vs Asakura LIVE
Round 1
Asakura comes out in a southpaw stance. Mayweather parries a few jabs and stays light on his feet.
The American slings a jab of his own onto the chin of Asakura, who responds with a fierce hook to the body. Another jab lands for Mayweather, who then just about blocks a left cross from Asakura.
Lots of big reactions from Mayweather when Asakura feints. The American blocks a heavy left hook with his back against the ropes.
Asakura taunts the American, who then lands a stern right hand up top. Another right by Mayweather, this one landing to the body. One more.
Asakura curls a left hook just past Mayweather’s head. He does appear to land a right hook, though, moments later. A right hand seems to just about connect for Mayweather on the bell.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments