When Floyd Mayweather and YouTube star Logan Paul battle in an exhibition match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, Mayweather will concede nearly 35 pounds (16 kilogrammes) to Paul, but that is all the weight Mayweather is giving up.
Paul, at 6 feet, 2 inches (1.88 m), and Mayweather, at 5 feet, 8 inches (1.73 m), showed no surprises at the “ceremonial” weigh-in on Saturday, with Paul coming in at 189.5 lbs and Mayweather at 155 lbs.
Undoubtedly disappointing many of his 20 million or more YouTube subscribers, Paul played the weigh-in straight, despite his reputation for outlandish antics.
Paul, who is 0-1 in the ring after losing an exhibition bout to another YouTube star, took one shot at the undefeated Mayweather (50-0) at the tame weigh-in, and the champion laughed it off.
According to Paul, “he don’t know what to expect,” thus he is not prepared. But this is the biggest fight of his life since he has everything to gain and so much to lose. I intend to enjoy myself.
It’s all a simulation, I’m living proof of that, the aliens are coming in June, so get ready, and tomorrow I’ll bring the simulation and beat the greatest boxer in the history of the world.
While Paul may call the eight-round fight a simulation, the interest and millions it is generating in ticket sales and pay-per-view purchases are quite genuine.
There will be no judges or declared winner, yet each warrior will still walk away with millions.
“Money” Mayweather, who has never been knocked out in his professional career, said he expected to make more than $50 million from the bout, which will not appear on his record.
Mayweather said with all the seriousness he could muster, “I’ve been here before, I know what it takes, I’ve fought every different style you could possibly fight.” It’s not about weight to win a fight; it’s about fighting, and I can fight.
If there’s one thing I’m good at, though, it’s fighting. I’ve got 25 years of experience at the highest level, so I know what it takes to succeed.
(Toronto-based journalist Steve Keating filed this report. Marguerita Choy (who edited this)