In a post that is guaranteed to get fight fans in Japan talking Floyd Mayweather has hinted that he plans to be in Tokyo on December 31st. That is the date of Rizin 45 which doesn’t currently have the sort of star studded main event the promotion normally books for these shows.
Mayweather fought on one of the New Year’s Eve cards in 2018. He beat Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition boxing match at Rizin 14 and must be aware of the significance the date has in Japan.
In an Instagram post that is promoting his champagne brand Mayweather wrote,
“Come celebrate with us this NYE in Tokyo! Big things coming soon! Stay tuned!!”
View this post on Instagram
Possible explanations
Of course Mayweather might be getting on board as a sponsor for Rizin 45 which is set for the Saitama Super Arena on December 31st. Alternatively his post might have nothing to do with the event and it could be a coincidence that it is taking place in Tokyo on the same night.
Rizin 45 already has two title fights on the card. Juan Archuleta will be defending his bantamweight belt against Kai Asakura while Kyoji Horiguchi and Makoto Shinryu face off for the inaugural flyweight title.
Mayweather has not appeared on one of the promotion’s cards since 2022. He gave Mikuru Asakura a sound beating at Super Rizin 1, one of two times he has taken part in an exhibition match in Tokyo.
Floyd Mayweather wasted no time with a second round KO of Mikuru Asakura 💥
🎥 @rizin_English pic.twitter.com/Gl45hGUnKI
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 25, 2022
Unlikely addition
Given the size of the purse which Mayweather commands he would be an unlikely last minute addition. Stranger things have happened in Japan though and Rizin was rumoured to be putting together a rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao.
Pacquiao signed with Rizin in 2022 but there is absolutely no update on when he might be making his debut. The Filipino has been out of action all year.
Next up for Pacquiao is an exhibition match with Buakaw Banchamek although fans will be wondering whether that fight ever actually materializes. Mayweather has also taken a break from boxing this year but it sounds like he will be in Tokyo on December 31st.
