“Chose Self-Respect Over Money”: Fans React as Muay Thai Legend Rejects Floyd Mayweather Bout

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been competing in exhibition bouts since retiring from the sport back in 2017. The former five-division champion recently faced YouTube sensation Deji in Abu Dabhi and is ready for his next exhibition bout against Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers. However, it looks like ‘Money’ won’t stop there as it was recently revealed that he contacted a Muay Thai legend for his next exhibition bout.

Saenchai has been synonymous with Muay Thai for a long time and is one of the best practitioners of the sport. Moreover, he revealed that Mayweather contacted him for an exhibition bout following his UK tour in Canada. However, he rejected the offer and also explained why he was not interested in fighting ‘Money’ inside the squared circle.

Saenchai rejects an exhibition bout offer from Floyd Mayweather

In a recent tweet by Beyond Kickboxing, it was revealed that the Muay Thai legend was offered a 6 round exhibition with Mayweather. The bout will have no referee and no judges with a KO being the only way to decide the winner. However, Saenchai claimed that he was not interested in facing ‘TBE’ under boxing rules. Instead, he wanted Mayweather to compete under Muay Thai rules.

“I’ve heard that some promoters are trying to arrange a 6-round exhibition boxing bout between me and Mayweather in Canada. No refs. No judges. KO allowed. Honestly. Are these guys mad at me? But I’m glad that they know me. The problem is boxing is not my forte. Would you like to fight me under Muay Thai rules instead? Doesn’t matter win or lose. If it’s Muay Thai, I’m always ready,” he wrote.

The Muay Thai legend made it clear that he won’t be fighting Mayweather under boxing rules. However, this didn’t stop the fans from reacting to this as they praised Saenchai for not selling out.

Fans react to Saenchai rejecting Floyd Mayweather’s offer

One fan stated that Mayweather wouldn’t fight Saenchai for even a round of Muay Thai, after 11 rounds of boxing.

Another fan praised Saenchai for not choosing to compete in boxing despite the financial benefits.

A fan touted Sanechei’s response as one of the best ones from an athlete.

However, one fan thought that this could be a very interesting matchup between two great fighters.

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Lastly, one fan claimed that he never thought he would see Mayweather and Saenchai compete in the same ring together.

The fans were happy that Saenchai has kept his integrity and did not confirm a fight on Mayweather’s terms. However, the 42-year-old is past his prime while Mayweather is also reaching the tail end of his career. The only way Mayweather’s team can convince him to get in the ring will be if the fight takes place under Muay Thai rules.

Despite this, things could change on a whim if the money from this is worth the risk for the Muay Thai legend. Moreover, a mixed rules bout can also be proposed with half rounds taking place under boxing rules while the other takes place under Muay Thai rules. However, for now, this bout is not a likely option for Saenchai.

What did you think about Saenchai rejecting Mayweather’s offer? Let us know in the comments.

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