FLOYD Mayweather paid a brief visit to South Africa, his first to Africa, from January 16 to 19. This visit was hailed by Minister of Sport and Recreation Mr Fikile Mbalula as a great success.
“This is just what our boxing need in South Africa,” said Mr Mbalula at the Gala Dinner at Emperors Palace on Friday January 18.
Mayweather, (45-0, 26 knockouts), who turns 37 in February, said, “In September 2015 it will be my last fight,” in a Q and A hosted by Robert Marawa. He will then retire.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, who is behind Mayweather’s visit, said the multiple world champion, who has won eight titles across five weight divisions, was in the country to spearhead the Reawakening the Giant boxing project — an initiative launched during the Sports Indaba last year.
Mayweather was also at the opening of the Dube Boxing club in Dube to conduct a coaching clinic. He mainly spoke about his wealth and the way to train. On Saturday he went to Cape Town for a visit to Robben Island and returned to the US on Sunday.
The Department of Sport and Recreation labelled the American boxer’s visit a success and disclosed that they had raised over R800 000.
