MANILA, Philippines – Floyd Mayweather Jr. arrived in the Philippines in the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday, making good on his earlier declaration to visit the country as part of his Asian tour.
The former pound-for-pound king, now happily retired, entered the country on board his “Air Mayweather” private plane, and some luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce unit emblazoned with the “TMT” logo — which stands for Mayweather’s “The Money Team” — were on hand to welcome the flamboyant ex-star.
Mayweather spent a few minutes talking to reporters who waited for him at the airport.
“We just have to see what the country holds, but I'm pretty sure there are so many great things here,” he said.
Mayweather was inevitably asked about meeting Manny Pacquiao, with whom he’ll be linked forever as their 2015 fight ended up as the richest boxing match ever.
“I don't know. Whatever the people want to see. Of course I'd like to meet him, with all the great people of the Philippines,” he continued.
After soundly defeating Pacquiao in their financially successful but critically panned fight, Mayweather saw action two more times. His last fight was in 2017 against UFC star Conor McGregor, whom he knocked out to notch his 50th win in as many bouts.
Mayweather, 41, insists that it was his final outing.
“I'm an old man now. You know, there's no more fighting for Floyd Mayweather,” he said, despite having previously hinted about exploring a career in mixed martial arts.
Prior to his trip to the Philippines, Mayweather had been in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand the past days. According to various reports, part of his itinerary would be to grace a Miss Universe-related event and visit the paradise island cluster of El Nido in Palawan.
Mayweather said he will also try to scout Filipino boxers, something he now actively pursues as founder of Mayweather Promotions.
“I would love to sign some upcoming talent, upcoming Filipino fighters. I'd love to work with them,” he said.