Boxer Floyd Mayweather has praised cryptocurrency and encouraged people to buy his NFTs (non-fungible tokens) in an interview ahead of a highly anticipated exhibition match this weekend.
Mayweather, who has a 50-0 winning record in the ring, spoke to the Fox Business Network’s Susan Li on Friday and discussed his financial portfolio, which he said includes investments real estate, and NFTs.
He’s due to face social media personality Logan Paul in the boxing ring for an exhibition match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, June 6.
“Everybody should have their own mind and choose what cryptocurrency they wanna choose,” Mayweather told Li.
“What I believe in is being independent and doing what you wanna do and it’s about people winning in life. And I push people to be winners in life. Cause I’m a winner,” he said.
Mayweather told Li that his financial portfolio was worth “over a billion dollars.”
“Cryptocurrency, it’s the new wave, it’s what everybody’s doing,” Mayweather said.
“If cryptocurrency is the new wave, you know what, be the best,” he added. “I just want to say thank you to everyone whose supported me throughout the years.”
Mayweather also touted his NFT collection, the first piece of which went on sale on May 26. Four further pieces of artwork were scheduled for release on June 1 ahead of his fight with Paul.
“NFT, I want the world to own a piece of my legacy, because I wouldn’t be where I’m at, without the fans,” Mayweather said.
“I’m just happy being on the big stage right now, having fun, and doing what I love to do,” Mayweather added.
A press release about Mayweather’s NFTs on May 26 said: “These upcoming digital art pieces—a collection titled ‘The Legacy’—are celebrating the legacy of Floyd Mayweather’s life and career, including animations and artwork.”
Mayweather and Paul engaged in a face-off in Miami on Thursday evening with the 6ft 2in Paul later taking to Twitter to mock the 5ft 8in Mayweather. The incident sparked a series of comments and jokes on social media.
However, the 26-year-old YouTuber is not widely expected to defeat the 44-year-old boxing legend who has indicated he views the match more as entertainment than a challenge, according to Boxing Insider.
Nonetheless, Sunday’s match is expected to be a huge success as a pay-per-view event, while the Florida Boxing Commission recently announced the rules. Knockouts will be legal, there will no judges, no headgear, and no official winner will be named.
Newsweek has asked Floyd Mayweather for comment.
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