Floyd Mayweather: 'I Want Ronda Rousey To Hold Her Head Up High'
Floyd Mayweather: 'I Want Ronda Rousey To Hold Her Head Up High'
Many would have expected Floyd Mayweather to gloat over the violent defeat of former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey at the hands (and shin) of Holly Holm. Instead, the recently retired boxer had some words of encouragement for the champion, and ev
By Connor Ruebusch
Many would have expected Floyd Mayweather to gloat over the violent defeat of former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey at the hands (and shin) of Holly Holm. Instead, the recently retired boxer had some words of encouragement for the champion, and even a little business advice for her promoters.
Speaking with FightHype, Mayweather came to Rousey's defense in the wake of a torrent of public mocking she has received since being defeated soundly Saturday night by Holm, a former professional boxer and 19-time winner of various championship belts. After just over a round of lateral movement and sharp counter punching Holm, who also has kickboxing experience, seized the opportunity to hit an off-balance Rousey with a head kick, which knocked her out.
"I don't think it's cool how everyone is trolling her on social media,” Mayweather said. “Certain things you have to learn. People will love you on Friday and then Sunday morning, it's nothing but negative comments and people making jokes and people making fun about you, which I don't think is cool.
“I've never been on the other side, so I don't know how it feels. I'm pretty sure she's a very, very strong person, but we still have to take into consideration that she has feelings.”
Mayweather even offered Rousey his help with some of her boxing fundamentals. “I want Ronda Rousey to hold her head up high and don't let this discourage you. If you need help as far as with boxing, I'm here to help you. It's all about timing and inches. Her ground game is unbelievable . . . I look forward to working with a lot of MMA fighters as far as teaching them boxing techniques. It's the little small things in contact sports that can take you to that next level.”
Mayweather and Rousey have traded barbs in the past, with Ronda criticizing the boxer’s history of domestic violence. Mayweather predictably criticized Rousey’s earning potential, saying “I've yet to see any MMA fighter, or other boxer, make over $300 million in 36 minutes. When she can do that, then call me."
Now however, whether do to good will or just good PR, Mayweather has changed his tune. The masterful fight promoter even had some advice on how the UFC should go about booking a rematch. “Me as a former fighter, I think that she needs some time off to regroup and refocus. I think they're rushing her. They need to build Ronda Rousey back up, her confidence back up, even though I think she's probably still confident. Let Holly fight, defend the title a few times, and build it.”
Mayweather retired undefeated in September after earning his 49th professional victory over Andre Berto.
Many would have expected Floyd Mayweather to gloat over the violent defeat of former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey at the hands (and shin) of Holly Holm. Instead, the recently retired boxer had some words of encouragement for the champion, and even a little business advice for her promoters.
Speaking with FightHype, Mayweather came to Rousey's defense in the wake of a torrent of public mocking she has received since being defeated soundly Saturday night by Holm, a former professional boxer and 19-time winner of various championship belts. After just over a round of lateral movement and sharp counter punching Holm, who also has kickboxing experience, seized the opportunity to hit an off-balance Rousey with a head kick, which knocked her out.
"I don't think it's cool how everyone is trolling her on social media,” Mayweather said. “Certain things you have to learn. People will love you on Friday and then Sunday morning, it's nothing but negative comments and people making jokes and people making fun about you, which I don't think is cool.
“I've never been on the other side, so I don't know how it feels. I'm pretty sure she's a very, very strong person, but we still have to take into consideration that she has feelings.”
Mayweather even offered Rousey his help with some of her boxing fundamentals. “I want Ronda Rousey to hold her head up high and don't let this discourage you. If you need help as far as with boxing, I'm here to help you. It's all about timing and inches. Her ground game is unbelievable . . . I look forward to working with a lot of MMA fighters as far as teaching them boxing techniques. It's the little small things in contact sports that can take you to that next level.”
Mayweather and Rousey have traded barbs in the past, with Ronda criticizing the boxer’s history of domestic violence. Mayweather predictably criticized Rousey’s earning potential, saying “I've yet to see any MMA fighter, or other boxer, make over $300 million in 36 minutes. When she can do that, then call me."
Now however, whether do to good will or just good PR, Mayweather has changed his tune. The masterful fight promoter even had some advice on how the UFC should go about booking a rematch. “Me as a former fighter, I think that she needs some time off to regroup and refocus. I think they're rushing her. They need to build Ronda Rousey back up, her confidence back up, even though I think she's probably still confident. Let Holly fight, defend the title a few times, and build it.”
Mayweather retired undefeated in September after earning his 49th professional victory over Andre Berto.