Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3039376/floyd-mayweather-snr-says-sons-comeback-better-not-be-mma-or-he-will Boxing
Floyd Mayweather Snr says son’s comeback ‘better not be MMA’ or he will ‘whoop’ UFC’s Dana White
- Mayweather’s proposed comeback in 2020 is a ‘big surprise’ to his father
- Former trainer prefers son’s chances against Manny Pacquiao than Canelo Alvarez
Floyd Mayweather Jnr sits with Dana White at an NBA game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics. Photo: Instagram
Floyd Mayweather Snr has threatened to “whoop” UFC president Dana White if his son’s comeback in 2020 is a transition to mixed martial arts.
Floyd Mayweather Jnr was pictured courtside with White at last week's NBA game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics, with the pair announcing they were working on a project together.
While it is unclear which sport the 42-year-old Mayweather Jnr was referring to when he announced on Instagram he was “coming out of retirement in 2020”, his father is strongly against a crossover into MMA.
“What's that thing called? It better not be MMA. I don't think he'd take nothing like that because I'd go out there and whoop Dana's ass,” Mayweather Snr told Fight Hub TV.
“I will. I'd go back there and whoop the s*** out of him. Even though Floyd is a grown man, I'm gonna be the grown one to take over that.
“You know we usually talk, man, but I ain't heard nothing from [Mayweather Jnr]. [The comeback] is a big surprise to me,” said Mayweather Snr, who said there are a lot of other projects his son could pursue thanks to his career earnings. “I guess I might have to [give him a call].”
Mayweather Jnr (50-0) retired for a second time from the sport after beating former UFC two-weight champion Conor McGregor in 2017. “Money” has been largely inactive aside from an exhibition bout with Japanese kick-boxer Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year’s Eve.
However, the recent resurgence of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2) has reignited hopes for a potential rematch after their infamous 2015 fight.
“I ain't worried about no Pacquiao,” Mayweather Snr said. “As far as Pacquiao is concerned, I think that's a good move for him. I think a lot of folks want that fight too because [they] wanna see Pacquiao come back and win – but it ain't gonna work that way.”
Floyd Mayweather signs gloves at the opening of the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness gym in Torrance, California. Photo: Reuters
Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2), whom Mayweather Jnr beat early in his career in 2013, is also a name swirling around the rumour mill. But Mayweather Snr shared his concerns about the size discrepancy between the two.
“I don't really think Floyd got that much weight on him still – I don't think Floyd is 160 [pounds] … If you look at [Canelo], if you see a lot of his stuff you see him doing, he's trying to fight like Floyd now,” he said. “Being that Floyd is smaller, I need to take charge and be the boss. I'll beat Canelo's ass. Canelo is about my size.”
Mayweather Promotions' CEO Leonard Ellerbe was much more coy on the prospect of Mayweather Jnr returning.
“My answer is that in due time Floyd Mayweather will let everyone know,” he told ESPN. “You know Floyd, he's the smartest guy in boxing. You know he makes the right moves, so when the time is right, he's gonna let you know what it is.”