Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul
May 21, 2021
On June 6th, Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul will be going head to head in a boxing match. It’s a boxing match that nobody necessarily asked for, but is happening nonetheless. And it’s certain that there will be a lot of eyeballs on this fight as the undefeated 44-year-old Mayweather will give up six inches in height and some considerable weight to his 26-year-old opponent, who has a 0-1 professional boxing record. Based on these stats, it’s clear this fight has less to do with being competitive than being an entertaining way for both Paul and Mayweather to make some serious money.
“Mayweather’s eye for money led him into verbal exchanges with Paul, who was pleased to respond and ultimately trigger real discussion about the potential for a meeting.”
— Lance Pugmire
A little context:
Logan Paul is a social media celebrity who made a name for himself on YouTube, but has very little boxing experience. He’s had one professional fight and one exhibition, both against fellow YouTuber, KSI, in which Logan lost both. He was born April 1, 1995 and stands at 6’2”.
Floyd Mayweather was last seen in a boxing ring on New Year’s Eve 2018, when he scored a first-round TKO against Japanese kickboxer, Tenshin Nasukawa, in an exhibition fight. He last competed as a professional in 2017 against MMA superstar Conor McGregor and stopped him in the 10th round to improve his undefeated record to 50-0. His opponent in June will by far have the least boxing experience than any of his previous opponents. But, he’s much older than Paul– born Feb. 24, 1977– and much smaller– standing at 5’8”.
Many feel this fight is degrading for Floyd’s reputation as a world class boxer, but for Floyd, the payday is worth it, “I can eventually probably make $50 million, for just a regular fight. Or me and Logan Paul, or a YouTuber, we can go out, entertain and have fun, and make nine figures– $100 million or more.” (Holroyd.)
If it’s all about the money, Mayweather AND Paul win. But does the sport of boxing win? That’s still up for debate.
________________________
Sources:
Holroyd, C., 2021. Mayweather discusses fight with Logan Paul: ‘I told y’all I was an entertainer’. The Score. Retrieved from: https://www.thescore.com/boxing/news/2165360
Pugmire, L., 2021. Explained: Why Floyd Mayweather is boxing YouTube star Logan Paul. The Athletic. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2548265/2021/04/27/explained-why-floyd-mayweather-is-boxing-youtube-star-logan-paul/.
