'What a mess': Farcical scenes rock Mayweather-Logan Paul bout
The Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul main event descended into chaos after rain delayed proceedings and caused 'crazy' scenes in the lead up bout.
Fans originally called out YouTuber Logan Paul for looking nervous after he arrived at the stadium ahead of his bout with undefeated boxer Mayweather.
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But as both were in their locker room, a huge storm passed by the Hard Rock stadium resulting in a downpour.
The blockbuster fight between Luis Arias and Jarrett Hurd was briefly halted as rain descended on the outdoor arena.
Boxing reporter for The Athletic, Mike Coppinger, took a photo of the scene after the downpour.
The scene at press row after another downpour #MayweatherPaul pic.twitter.com/cl2od5A2Yc
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) June 7, 2021
Other commentators, including Dan Rafael, noted the spectacle was 'surreal' and the rain had caused 'a mess' ahead of Paul and Mayweather's fight.
This is surreal to watch. Raining like crazy. Stadium empty. But they’re putting on a show. #boxing #MayweatherPaul
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) June 7, 2021
It’s raining at the fight and the there is a timeout to mop up the ring. What a mess. #boxing #MayweatherPaul
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) June 7, 2021
Rafael also pointed out the arena appeared 'empty' in the lead up to the main event fight.
One thing very noticeable is the stadium looks absolutely empty. #MayweatherPaul #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) June 7, 2021
Mayweather and Logan Paul fight to farcical draw
Mayweather predictably dominated YouTube star Paul in their eight-round exhibition, with both men reportedly sharing about $150 million as a result.
Mayweather produced a slick performance much to the delight of the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, although the fight was deemed a draw.
With the likes of former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield watching on from ringside, the 26-year-old Paul lasted eight rounds against Mayweather, who barely broke a sweat.
This was declared an exhibition, rather than a licensed bout, which meant there were no judges and the only way to triumph was to stop or knock out the opponent within the eight three-minute rounds.
While Mayweather outclassed Paul and delivered a number of punishing blows, he failed to land a knockout punch and without any judges to keep score, the bout was called a draw.
Mayweather had ended his boxing career in 2017 with a record of 50-0 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor in Las Vegas.
Paul was taking part in his third fight after two encounters against fellow YouTuber KSI.
Mayweather claimed afterwards this could be his final appearance, saying "I wanted to give people a show and he was fighting to survive."
with AFP
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