Floyd Mayweather has come face-to-face with exhibition rival Aaron Chalmers for the first time in London.
Boxing legend Mayweather has signed on the dotted line for an exhibition contest where he will take on former Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers at London's O2 Arena. It will be the first time that the 45-year-old has boxed on UK soil, having never fought there during his career in the professional ranks.
Chalmers has experience in boxing and MMA, having previously fought in high-profile promotions Bellator and Wasserman Boxing, which he is hoping will give him the tools to cause an upset. On Wednesday, the pair came face to face in London for the first time since the fight was confirmed, and held a stare-down at the front and centre of their launch press conference.
The former 50-0 star has thanked fans for their support in his exhibition-filled career and is ready to once again entertain a global crowd alongside his latest dance partner. He said: "It’s great to be back in the UK performing entertain dream come true. I’ve been coming to UK since 1993 – it’s good to be over here.
"If I was taking brutal punishment, I couldn’t do it anymore. My career was great because of my defence. My faculties were important to me. I retired from the sport and I didn’t let the sport retire me. My advice to him [Chalmers] is to leave here with skills. He’s rough, tough and got experience in combat, so I’m pretty sure he’ll be at his best.
"I’ve got so much experience at highest level. I’ve fought at the best events. Experience plays a major part. I’ve seen everything but you can never overlook a guy or underestimate a guy. He believes in his skills and talent. My job is to entertain and do what I do. I don’t have to have fast hands or feet. The proof is in the pudding."
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Chalmers had several setbacks in 2022 which have significantly stalled his fighting career, but in arguably the biggest moment of his life, the Newcastle-born star has vowed to give Geordies a weekend to remember.
The 35-year-old said: "I’m not going to give anything away, I’m just excited. We’re here now, it’s been a whirlwind four weeks. I know his (Mayweather's) jab is unbelievable, can I handle that jab? You’ll find that out on Saturday. I’ve tried to be sharp and fit, I’ve got a nutritionist and there’s no stone unturned when facing Floyd.
"He’s 46 on Friday, he’s got 10 years on me, so it’s just about being sharp and being in his face. He’s one of the best boxers, so I can’t get too carried away and get clipped. If you face the best of all time, the rest should be much easier. This was the offer that came in and I grabbed It with both hands."
