Floyd Mayweather KOs Japanese MMA star with Manny Pacquiao ringside - in pictures

American boxing legend beats Mikuru Asakura in latest exhibition and Conor McGregor rematch could be next

Floyd Mayweather lands a blow on Japanese mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura during their exhibition boxing match at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on September 25, 2022. AFP

Floyd Mayweather watches as the referee stops the fight towards the end of the second round. AP

Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao arrives to greet the audience. AP

Mikuru Asakura in action against Floyd Mayweather. AP

Floyd Mayweather throws a punch at Mikuru Asakura. AP

Mayweather takes control against Mikuru Asakura in Saitama. Reuters

Boxer Floyd Mayweather of the U. S. throws a punch against mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura of Japan in Saitama, north of Tokyo, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (AP Photo / Hiro Komae)

Mayweather hugs Japanese mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura after the knockout finish. AFP

Manny Pacquiao speaks before the exhibition match. AP

Mayweather watches as Mikuru Asakura gets a count from the referee. AP

Mikuru Asakura tries to get up after being knocked down by Floyd Mayweather. AFP

Mayweather is goaded by Mikuru Asakura. AFP

Floyd Mayweather arrives for his exhibition match against Japanese mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura. AFP

Floyd Mayweather knocked out mixed martial arts fighter Mikuru Asakura in the second round in Japan in the latest of the boxing great's post-retirement exhibitions.

The 45-year-old Mayweather floored his opponent with a right hand as his former welterweight rival Manny Pacquiao watched ringside in Saitama.

The American Mayweather, who retired in 2017 with an unbeaten 50-0 record, afterwards dismissed any prospect of a fight with the retired Pacquiao.

Mayweather arrived at Saitama Super Arena, north of Tokyo, just an hour before the fight.

He was shown on TV relaxing in a dressing room full of takeaway fast food, before making his ring walk.

On another easy payday for Mayweather, the bell to end the second round sounded as Asakura hit the canvas, but it failed to save the Japanese fighter and he was unable to beat the count.

“It was another blockbuster turnout. Boxing for me is like breathing,” Mayweather said, adding he is looking to fight more “YouTubers and MMA guys”.

Philippine great Pacquiao is not on his radar. “I retired for a reason,” said Mayweather. “I'm here to have fun and enjoy myself but I'm not going to take no punishment to the point to where I can barely walk and barely talk.

“People will always pay to get a glimpse of Floyd Mayweather,” he said, before asking, “so why would I go out there and fight a top fighter when I can get the same amount of money for three rounds with whoever?”

Asakura, an MMA star and popular YouTuber in Japan, gave Mayweather more of a workout than the last time the American fought an exhibition in Japan, against kickboxing prodigy Tenshin Nasukawa in December 2018.

“I'm glad he threw a few shots, got the crowd excited. That's what it's about,” Mayweather said.

“I'm proud of him. I'm proud he came out here. He helped me entertain people. He did what he was supposed to do. We both had fun.”

“I don’t remember what hit,” Asakura said after the fight. “I have a huge headache.”

Mayweather is reportedly close to agreeing a rematch in 2023 with UFC star Conor McGregor, who he beat in his final fight before retirement.