MAYWEATHER TO FIGHT KICKBOXER

FLOYD MAYWEATHER has opened the door to his first MMA bout by announcing his next fight will be against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa. Mayweather will pocket tens of millions of dollars for the money-spinning event in Saitama, Japan, on New Year’s Eve, but the rules are yet to be decided on a fight that could see Money’s first departure from traditional boxing. Speaking at a news conference in Tokyo yesterday, Mayweather said the decision to fight in Japan was about expanding his global profile. “I wanted to do something different. I wanted to display my skills outside the US and be in a special fight,” he said after signing a deal with Japanese mixed martial arts promotions company RIZIN Fighting Federation. “I spoke with my team and with RIZIN and we put it together. I have fought in the US for all 50 of my fights. As a professional I haven’t had a chance to go outside the US to display my skills and to display my talent for the world.” with such consistency seeing him win the FedEx Cup title and a bonus of US$10 million (RM41m). However, Rose is determined not to rest on his laurels as he looks to add to a glittering CV which includes one major title, an Olympic gold medal, more than 20 tournament wins worldwide and a crucial role in three Ryder Cup victories. “I think Phil Mickelson said that he’s still hungry to keep moving forward and I think the minute you start to reflect (on your career), it can kind of soften you a little bit,” Rose said. “It’s like when you start thinking about your time, you’re done, basically. I’m trying to enjoy the moment because moments like these are enjoyable. (But) I love the grind of it. I love that feeling.”