The Floyd Mayweather exhibitions and all the controversy that comes with them finally address by Mayweather himself.
Everyone has different views on the Mayweather exhibitions.
The positives are that they can draw new fans to boxing if done right.
Speaking at his latest exhibition in boxing in Greece Mayweather said:
“Whether it’s an exhibition or real competition, people still want to be entertained. It’s all about entertaining the people — whether it’s a sanctioned fight or an unsanctioned fight. It’s good that I took care of my body. I was able to stay healthy — no drinking, no smoking — and I took my career seriously, so I’m still able to compete 30 years later.”
Intriguing from Mayweather in his response that people want to see these exhibitions.
The more correct answer is really they will watch them against a big name like someone like Mike Tyson or Logan Paul or something like that.
The more small names are not as interesting although people still tune in.
There has to be some sort of balance for casual sports fans and boxing fans in these exhibitions involving big name fighters. Here’s why:
- Oscar De La Hoya called Mayweather vs Gotti III exhibition embarrassing and said nobody wants to remember Mayweather like this
- Fans compared Mayweather-Gotti III to WWE after the referee was switched mid-fight
- World Boxing News stated Mayweather vs Logan Paul had no buzz, no anticipation, and no substantial interest
- Mayweather said exhibitions are his way of giving fans opportunity to witness his greatness while he creates wealth and legacy
- Daniel Cormier said exhibitions remove the promise of violence fans expect from real fights
- Chael Sonnen said the word exhibition confuses viewers because it signals fighters are not trying to win
- MMA Mania said Tyson-Mayweather booking throws away weight classes for pure spectacle with fans actively dismayed
- Tyson vs Jake Paul exhibition drew 108 million viewers on Netflix in 2024
- Radio Times argued Mayweather-McGregor is not for real sports fans because McGregor had never boxed professionally
- Mayweather said the UK exhibition was done in one month and tickets went on sale a week or two weeks later
Mayweather is 49 now and although still sharp and better than most 20 year old fighters he still needs not to go overboard on too many exhibitions.
Diluting their relevance and/or appeal to casual sports fans.
Who knows what fights Mayweather will be in this year.
