By Mike Coopinger
May 21, 2022
Source: Sporting News
Photo Source: Eric Espada, Getty Images
Floyd Mayweather had his most entertaining exhibition bout since retiring from boxing in 2017.
"Money" put on a scintillating offensive display against former sparring partner Don Moore at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday. Although the result was unofficial, Mayweather pummeled Moore from the opening bell and put his opponent down with a body shot in the eighth round. Mayweather attempted to secure a knockout but Moore managed to stay on his feet until the final bell sounded.
The bout took place a week later than originally scheduled. The death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan caused a work stoppage in Dubai. An unexpected sandstorm forced the fight off of the planned helipad of a luxury hotel and into the arena. None of that prevented Mayweather from having fun inside the ring once the bell sounded.
Mayweather danced, beatboxed, conversed with the commentary team and even did the job of the ring card girls between rounds as he thoroughly entertained those in attendance.
As for the fight itself, there wasn't much going for Moore, who found himself on the wrong side of Mayweather's signature straight right and just about every kind of punch that the undefeated former champion threw.
The 45-year-old Moore was never considered much of a threat despite having an 18-0-1 record. But Moore hadn't fought a pro bout since 2016 and the combined record of his opponents was an embarrassing 56-165-6. He landed the fight because of his friendship with Mayweather. His sparring partner wasn't too kind to him on this night, however.
It was a thorough beating by Mayweather, who said that he would bring another exhibition to the UAE later this year against an opponent to be determined.
Here's how it all went down (all times Eastern):
Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore live results, updates
Round 8: Mayweather cracks more with a hard job. Moore is just trying to survive and hopes that Mayweather takes his foot off the gas. Left hook hurts Moore. Moore is trying to survive but is put down with a brutal shot to the body. Moore gets up and Mayweather puts together a blistering sequence of punches that nearly put Moore away. Somehow, Moore makes it to the final bell.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-8, Mayweather (80-71, Mayweather)
Round 7: Mayweather just decided to do the ring card girl's job and is carrying the numbered card around the ring between rounds. Now he's dancing. Don Moore is getting embarrassed. Mayweather is now commentating on his own fight before clocking Moore with a combination. Moore has had it and is throwing punches. A right hand puts an end to all of that. Mayweather is all over him and Moore is hurt by a straight right. Total domination.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather (70-63, Mayweather)
Round 6: Mayweather lands an inside uppercut to open the round and puts Moore on his bicycle. Mayweather now thinks he's Ric Flair and is doing the "Woo" as he stalks Moore. Mayweather lands a straight right hand that buzzes Moore. Moore is trying to land but he's overmatched. Mayweather is conversing with the commentary team and beating up Moore. Sheesh.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather (60-54, Mayweather)
Round 5: Mayweather gets inside and rips shots to Moore's torso. Mayweather pounding on Moore with rights and lefts. He's doing it while flashing a million-dollar smile. Don Moore is not smiling. He's getting hurt.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather (50-45, Mayweather)
Round 4: The only thing that Mayweather has failed to do is convince officials to turn this fight into three-minute rounds. He's walking down Moore and peppering him with jabs that are getting stiffer as the round progresses. Mayweather stabbing Moore with combinations as the round comes to a close.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather (40-36, Mayweather)
Round 3: Moore is coming at Mayweather but "Money" is busy joking with commentary, avoiding punches and asking for three-minute rounds. All this is happening as Moore is trying to fight him. Mayweather's left hand is sharp and connecting at ease. Mayweather picking Moore off and smiling at him. It's just a game.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather (30-27, Mayweather)
Round 2: Triple jab by Mayweather opens the round. Moore misses a pair of jabs. Mayweather is stalking but not doing much. He has still done more than Moore.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather (20-18, Mayweather)
Round 1: Mayweather smiles as he meets Moore in the middle of the ring. The smile says "I'm richer." Moore tries to get inside and gets popped with a jab. I think Floyd is beat boxing and smacks Moore with an up jab. Easy Money.
SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9, Mayweather
5:52 p.m.: Don Moore has entered the ring. Floyd Mayweather is coming in next. After a bit of a delay, Mayweather is accompanied by rap artist Friyie and steps into the ring. It's time for yet another Mayweather exhibition.
5:34 p.m.: The main event is next . . . after this commercial break. Will it be over or under 30 minutes? Place your bets.
5:24 p.m.: If this fight was officially scored, Anderson Silva would have cruised to a decision. Unfortunately, it's not. But if this doesn't make you want to see Anderson Silva vs. Jake Paul, I don't know what to tell you.
5:15 p.m.: At the end of the fifth round, Silva launched into a vicious combination that ended with a right hand that deposited Machado to the canvas. Vicious shot. Machado got to his feet but it's clear that Silva can end this when he wants.
5:05 p.m.: Silva's transition from MMA to boxing has been so smooth and he's quite comfortable through two rounds against Bruno Machado. It's just an exhibition but Silva's skill level is incredible despite being 47 years of age. He's having his way in there right now. Not dominating but comfortable.
5 p.m.: Anderson Silva is doing his signature squat before the first round begins. Guys, the fight is actually happening!
4:52 p.m.: It's only been 82 minutes but it looks like Anderson Silva is about to head to the ring . . . we think.
4:33 p.m.: When is the last time that you summered like you meant it? That's the ad that has been playing on a loop for an hour as we await the co-main event. Perhaps we'll get Mayweather-Moore before midnight Pacific Daylight Time?
4:07 p.m.: Ummm . . . we're still waiting for Anderson Silva to make his walk to the ring. We are getting lots and lots of Abu Dhabi commercials, though. Want to take a trip?
3:30 p.m.: We're approaching the co-main event, where MMA legend Anderson Silva will continue his transition to boxing as he faces Bruno Machado. But we've already had our fill of excitement as Badou Jack needed only 46 seconds to stop Hany Atiyo and Delfine Persoon successfully defended her WBC super featherweight title in an all-action throwdown with Elhem Mekhaled.
When is Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore?
Date: Saturday, May 21
Start time: 2 p.m. ET
Main event: 5 p.m. ET (approximately)
Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore will take place Saturday, May 21. The main card will start at 2 p.m. ET. The main event should begin around 5 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last. How to watch Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore Fans can watch Mayweather vs. Don Moore on FITE.tv and LIVEnow.
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