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The headline clash of a weekend of exhibition bouts ended on a friendly note, as Floyd Mayweather danced and laughed his way through the majority of his fight with Nigerian-born challenger, Deji, before claiming a stoppage victory in the sixth round.
Mayweather’s latest match-up was less poetic, as the 50-0 all-time great shared the ring with 1-3 YouTuber Deji – real name Oladeji Olatunji – with the contest halted at the first sign of his opponent’s distress at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The wait for the fight ended up taking longer than the bout itself, with Mayweather and Deji making their ring walks shortly after 1.30 am for an exasperated Dubai crowd, following a dispute reportedly over the size of their gloves.
In a sign of intent that rather summed up the clash, Deji prior to the bout outlined his less-than-lofty ambitions, insisting his goal was to land a single blow on the 45-year-old veteran.
The 25-year-old did in fact manage to land a significant blow of sorts, one which left a marking underneath the left eye of the legendary figure.
Mayweather, whose legacy was secured well before his 2017 retirement, leaving the pro game having won 15 world titles across five weight classes following his stoppage win over Conor McGregor, added another reported circa £28million to his bank account for his troubles.
The 45-year-old signaled his intent from the opening second, keeping his hands firmly by his side, immediately toying with the YouTuber and holding no regard for anything that could possibly come back.
The vast difference in class between the two was immediately evident, with Mayweather simply feinting and moving in and out of range at ease.
The Dubai crowd was clearly siding with the YouTuber, and Mayweather too joined the chorus of “come on Deji” during a one-sided but ultimately interesting second round.
Deji, 25, managed to land a shot of note in the fourth, creeping through the guard of Mayweather, the evidence left behind in the shape of a marking below his left eye. Indeed, the event was somewhat of a joke for Mayweather, but it’s a moment that will live in the memory of Deji for the rest of his life.
Mayweather decided to go to work in the sixth, however, and the referee quickly called a halt to the fight.
Speaking after the bout, Mayweather insisted he was pleased Deji landed his shot. “I’m glad he landed a good shot – this is a part of the entertainment,” he said. “You’re a hell of a fighter and competitor… keep building.”
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