22 February 2023 , 20:20
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Floyd Mayweather could only offer to fight Jake Paul in an exhibition due to the weight difference between the pair.
The boxing legend is fighting on the exhibition circuit and will take on his latest mega-money venture against Aaron Chalmers this Saturday night at London's O2 Arena. Mayweather has been heavily linked with a series of comeback fights while remaining in training, including against YouTube star Paul, who has made multiple call-outs in an attempt to secure a showdown.
In 2021, Mayweather locked horns with Paul's brother, Logan, but the show appeared to be stolen at the press conference by his sibling, who grabbed the legend's hat and sparked a brawl. The retired professional attempted to hit the influencer before the pair were separated by security, and Paul immediately suggested he was the man to beat Mayweather in the professional ranks.
With a fight not materialising since that date, the former 50-0 champion has insisted that talks were indeed held over a bout - but he is unable to jump to 190lb. "We spoke to Jake Paul before and we can only do an exhibition because of the weight disadvantage," Mayweather said at Wednesday's press conference to ahead of his fight with Chalmers. "I can’t get to 190 pounds.
"If I could, I would, but I can’t, my body won’t allow it. I’m not chasing it anymore. I have accomplished everything I could in boxing. We have so many young fighters in boxing today. Give them a chance to go out there so they can shine. It’s not about Jake Paul, it’s not about Floyd Mayweather.
Jake Paul calls on John Fury to make retirement bet for fight with son Tommy
"I’m going to entertain the people. Support me and my opponent. In boxing, I had my time. When I choose to stop exhibitions, I will still support the sport of boxing. I’m a pioneer of being a boxer, I’m an entrepreneur. I’m playing chess in the real world. I’m truly blessed. I can’t take my opponent for granted. It’s entertaining."
Floyd Mayweather and Jake Paul have been linked with a boxing fight (AFP via Getty Images)Who would you like to see Floyd Mayweather fight in an exhibition? Let us know in the comments section below.
Paul has won his first six fights as a professional against the likes of UFC stars Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, and he will next face a stern test against Tommy Fury this weekend. The 'Problem Child' is targeting some of the biggest names in the sport, including Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez, and he has even set out bold ambitions to become world champion.
Despite the weight discrepancy, Paul previously claimed that talks had been held with Mayweather and he even pushed for the fight by sending the legend some direct messages. He said: “I don’t do exhibitions. I told Floyd, I actually messaged him and I said, ‘Yo, if you want to do a real pro fight at a weight class, then let’s do it’.
“But I think he’s going to retire and that’s probably what’s best for him because my brother is a great fighter, but I’m just built different. I would have taken Floyd out and that wouldn’t be good for him."