LAS VEGAS: Known for his stingy defence, boxer Floyd Mayweather was looking more vulnerable than any other time in his career ahead of yesterday’s world title rematch with Marcos Maidana.
The 37-year-old undefeated champ has been taking more punches lately in the ring and Argentine slugger Maidana came closer than anyone to beating Mayweather in their first fight in May.
Maidana landed 221 punches in that fight against Mayweather, who hasn’t lost since the semi-finals of the 1996 Olympics.
“I am going to try to change history and change Mayweather’s record,” Maidana said at Friday’s weigh-in at the MGM Hotel and Casino. “I am going to come out aggressive like I came out in the first fight.”
The atmosphere inside the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena was electric as the two fighters made their way on to a raised stage for Friday’s televised weigh-in.
Mayweather (46-0) weighed in a half pound less than Maidana for yesterday’s welterweight world title fight.
Maidana was the first to enter the arena, stripping off his light blue and white track suit and stepping on the scales wearing white boxers with blue stripes. He tipped the scales at 146 pounds (66kg).
Mayweather looked fit and trim in his green track suit and ball cap which read “Money just make it”. He tipped the scale at 146.5 pounds.
“I had a tremendous training camp,” Mayweather told the crowd. “I am ready to fight. I know I can make adjustments.”
Like their first bout four months ago, the rematch will be fought at 147 pounds. AFP
