May 12, (THEWILL) – Fight week in Dubai is in full swing and Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather is getting back into the ring for what he guarantees will be an unforgettable boxing experience.
On Saturday, May 14, Mayweather will take part in a pay-per-view exhibition bout against the yet unbeaten “Dangerous” Don Moore. The fight “in the skies of Dubai” will take place outside, on the helipad of Dubai’s palatial Burj Al Arab Hotel at 7pm, local time.
Mayweather, who recently travelled to Nigeria to promote the fight, before landing in Dubai ahead of Saturday’s action, was excited about getting back to doing what he knew how to do best.
He addressed his fans before the fight, saying: “I promise you’ve never seen a boxing event like this. I’m going to continue to break barriers on May 14th. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event and I’m a once-in-a-lifetime fighter.
“There’s no one else in the sport who could headline an event this over the top. I’m going to give the fans what they paid for.”
Mayweather’s visit to Nigeria was strategic. He took the chance to speak with Rotimi Amaechi, a presidential candidate in Nigeria, and announced his desire to open a boxing facility in the country in his avowed search for “the next Mayweather”.
Thereafter, the boxer was sighted at The Kamani Club in Dubai for last tuneups before fight night. There, he met with athletes such as two-division world champion Badou Jack, who will fight on the undercard on Saturday, and cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie.
Prior to departing the United States, Mayweather returned to The Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, where he had spent much of his record-breaking career. Mayweather’s famed exercise sessions continue to draw a large crowd, and the latest addition to his training group was his two-year-old grandson, K.J., who brought Mayweather fresh delight.
Talking about his visit prepping for the bout, Mayweather said: “It was business as usual. It always feels good to be in the ring and around familiar faces in the boxing gym. I’ve spent so much of my life in the gym, so I always feel comfortable getting back into it.
“Training for any fight, and even this exhibition, is something I am always going to do. No one ever saw me take a day off during my career. Why would I start now?”
The 45-year-old, a five-division champion with a legendary 50-0 record, has continued to excite fight fans even after retiring. He has participated in exhibition fights in addition to his role as the president of Mayweather Promotions.
These fights have included travelling to Japan in 2018 to face kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa before a 2021 confrontation in Miami with social media star Logan Paul that was a viral internet sensation.
The Burj Al Arab Hotel, the UAE’s most famous hotel and a global symbol of Arabian wealth, will host a fighter known for his lavish lifestyle and extravagant festivities. It is only fitting that Mayweather will headline the venue’s debut boxing event.
“They always say the sky’s the limit, well I feel like I’m pushing the limit in the entertainment world once again, going up and literally fighting in the sky. These are the kind of opportunities that I’m always going to jump at,” Mayweather noted.
On Saturday night, Mayweather will meet Moore, a fighter with whom he has sparred countless times throughout his career. Moore was also taught by Floyd’s uncle, the late great Roger Mayweather, and indicated during the fight’s announcement press conference that he believes his experience with Floyd will give him an advantage.
Of their relationship, Mayweather said: “I’ve known Don for a long time and I know that he’s a very smart fighter who I can’t take lightly,” said Mayweather. “I believe that he’s coming to prove something in this fight. On top of this fight being at a one-of-a-kind venue, you’re going to see a guy coming in to take his shot at The Best Ever.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
