Floyd Mayweather vs Tenshin Nasukawa: Rules for RIZIN 14 bout revealed, 'Money' makes vow
THE ruleset for Floyd Mayweather’s upcoming bout with Tenshin Nasukawa have finally been revealed.
Mayweather will take on the Japanese kickboxing phenom at RIZIN 14 on New Year’s Eve.
The pair’s respective disciplines led to intense speculation over what rules the shock bout would take place under.
Further details of the contest were finally revealed in a press release from Swanson Communications in the early hours of the morning, which revealed that Mayweather vs Nasukawa will be a three-round affair.
The pair will both wear 8oz gloves and weigh in at 147lbs.
Nasukawa won’t be allowed to use any of his wide array of kicks as his showdown with Mayweather will be under ‘straight boxing rules’.
No judges will score the fight, which suggests a decision won’t be rendered should the contest go the distance.
“This will be full contact competition, but the bout is not going on boxing or MMA records,” an excerpt of the release read.
Mayweather is looking forward to locking horns with Nasukawa, saying: “I love competing against fighters from all walks of life like in my amateur days.
It’s going to be amazing
“It’s all about entertainment. Nine minutes of entertainment. It’s going to be amazing.
”I’m in the entertainment business. That’s what I go out there to do.
“I love to do this. I’m working out to put on a show for three rounds.”
Twenty-year-old Nasukawa is taking his encounter with Mayweather very seriously, sparring with former WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares in preparation for the bout.
And he’s planning to use his nine minutes in the ring with ‘Money’ to make a lasting ‘impression’ on the boxing world.
”There’s never been a Japanese fighter to face Floyd Mayweather in the ring,” ‘Teppen’ said.
“As an athlete, this is something that’s a great honor and a challenging task. I’d like to make a big impression.”
Mayweather’s decision to pursue a fight with Nasukawa was seen by many to be a money-grab, a notion the 41-year-old has dismissed.
“It’s a no-brainer,” he recently told TMZ.
“Just because I’m retired from boxing, I still make appearances worldwide and make a ton of money.”
He added: "Just for promoting this event, I’ve made seven figures.
"Just me talking about the event… I’ve already made crazy money.”