LONDON (May 2) – Boxing’s star attraction Floyd Mayweather has vowed to give fans an edge-of-the-seat thriller against Marcos Maidana this Saturday night.
The pound-for-pound kingpin faces the rugged Argentine at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live and exclusive on BoxNation, with the promise to stand and engage with the renowned knockout artist when they clash at the iconic boxing coliseum.
‘Money’ Mayweather has predicted that this fight will play out different from his last two bouts, against Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez respectively, with the superstar looking to stand in the pocket and make it an all-action affair.
“I may have three fights after this, I’m really not sure. I don’t know what I’m going to do. But I can promise you this: Saturday, I’m going to give you guys what you want to see,” said Mayweather.
“It’s not going to be the same fight that I fought with Canelo; it’s not going to be the same fight that I fought with Robert Guerrero. It’s going to be a totally different fight. No gameplan at all. I’m going to be right there.
“I think styles make fights. I’m looking to win and I’m looking to win very impressively. I’m pretty sure he’s coming straight ahead and we’ll see how the fight plays out,” he said.
Mayweather is used to the biggest nights having been involved in the highest grossing event of all time when his bout with Oscar De La Hoya generated a stunning $136m in 2007, before shattering that record last year when his battle with Alvarez raked in $150m.
The record-breaker has proved that he is able to handle the biggest of occasions, a level which will be new to the iron willed Maidana.
“I’ve been here before and know what it takes to win a fight of this magnitude. When the best fight the best, it takes more than just power. It takes more than just a great heart. You have to dig deep. You have to be mentally strong, not just physically strong, to win a fight like this,” said Mayweather.
“As of late, Marcos Maidana has been making a lot of noise. Is he one of the best in the sport? Yes he is. But I am the best. And that’s the difference.
“He’s tough, he’s rugged, he’s a champion. I respect him as a man, but come Saturday you have to earn my respect as a fighter,” he stated.
Though the favourite going into the fight, the pride of Grand Rapids, Michigan, knows he can’t underestimate the fierce Argentine.
“I never go in a game with a game plan. My game plan is to win and be first,” said Mayweather. “I can’t overlook this guy. He earned it. Argentina is a great country and you all have a true champion. He’s a true champion, he’s a warrior, and he got here somehow, someway. He represents his country real well. I’m a worldwide figure, but I bleed the red, white and blue first.”
The stardom for one of sport’s most recognised faces comes at a price, however, with Mayweather not too keen on some of the trappings that fame presents.
“When I just sit back sometimes in my bed and I turn on the TV and just look, I think ‘I miss doing that by myself’. I want to go places by myself; I want do things by myself. You think I always want to go to the movie theatre and take security?
“I want to go to the casino by myself and play blackjack by myself. If I have a wife I want to be able to travel with just me and her. I want to be able to do one-on-one things,” said Mayweather.
“But, guess what? It’s a gift and it’s a curse because God could easily have put someone else in this position. So I say, it’s me and I got to take it for what it’s for and just be thankful I’m one of the chosen ones,” he said.
It will be the unrelenting and hardened Maidana, though, who hopes he is the one chosen to hand the majestic Mayweather his first loss.
The 30-year-old from the rough streets of Santa Fe in Argentina was unapologetic ahead of the biggest fight of his career.
“No one has given anything to me,” said Maidana. “The opportunity, I earned it myself. I know this is a very difficult fight. That’s why I trained like never before. Mayweather is a great fighter, but I don’t give a f*** about this guy. It’s very important to land the combos and keep at him.
“I’m prepared for whatever he brings. If he wants to trade blows, we’ll trade blows. If he wants to run, we can handle that, too. We’re prepared for everything. I’m relaxed. We’re good. I talk a little trash because it gets me mad, gets me ready,” he said.
The card this weekend also sees British star Amir Khan back in action for the first time since his close victory over Julio Diaz in April of last year.
The former unified light-welterweight world champion takes on Brooklyn’s Luis Collazo for WBC silver welterweight world title.
“The time is here and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Khan. “This is my chance to make a big statement in what is my first fight in the welterweight division and I’m ready to grab that chance. It’s going to be a fight full of excitement and action and I’m going to show that I’m better than I’ve ever been before.”
His 33-year opponent was in an equally upbeat mood stating he’s going to make it an inhospitable welcome to the 147lb division.
“This is the highest of the high for a boxer and I’m humbled by the opportunity. It’s been a tremendous ride. I’m blessed to be here and soak this moment in,” said Collazo.
“Khan, welcome to the welterweight division. I’m going to give the fight fans what they want; make sure you tune in and don’t miss it. It’s going to be a special night,” he said.
Brash-talking Adrien Broner is also set to appear on the card as he steps down to light-welterweight to face Mexican-American Carlos Molina following his loss to Maidana last December.
Mayweather vs. Maidana/Khan vs. Collazo is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday midnight. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.
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