Floyd Mayweather announces the battle of the show with MMA star Mikuru Asakura

American boxer Floyd Mayweather has announced that he will face MMA star Mikuru Asakura of Japan in his next fight in September.

“I got to where I came from with hard work,” Mayweather said. ‘I stay focused. I always push myself to be the best.

‘It is still a wonderful feeling to travel the world, to do these show wars and to entertain people from all walks of life. I’ve seen all the styles.

‘My job is to go out there, be happy and be my best. September we will have fun and entertain people. I’m Floyd Mayweather to him. You are just another opponent of me. ‘

Mixed military musician Asakura, a former two-time champion will be the fourth American 45-year-old actress since retiring.

The announcement comes after Mayweather – who quit boxing in 2017 with a spotless 50-0 record – clashed with his former teammate Don Moore in Abu Dhabi last month in a fight.

Asakura, 29, currently has no boxing experience, and her MMA record currently reads 16-3.

But speaking ahead of his latest challenge, he said: ‘I am an MMA but I will use this opportunity and I will use him to raise my name and my global importance. I will win this battle. ‘

Nobuyuki Sakakibara, CEO of Rizin, added: ‘I am very happy to be sitting between these two athletes at this event which will be the second floor of Floyd Mayweather and RIZIN.

Floyd Mayweather was due to fight at an exhibition in Japan earlier this year with an organization called Mega.

‘However, as a result of this epidemic it has been postponed and RIZIN has taken on Floyd Mayweather’s next military contract in Japan.’

This comes days after Manny Pacquiao’s manager said Mayweather’s rival has long been looking forward to facing him again, as they face off at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 2015 formerly known as ‘Fight of the Century’.