Out of nowhere, it seems, retired boxing champion Floyd Mayweather said that his comeback fight against Conor McGregor could take place in Moscow. Mayweather, who has never fought outside the US, told the Russian media outlet RT that “If I had to choose now then I would choose Moscow.” The fight, which already has plenty of logistical complications to overcome, is hardly set in stone. Mayweather’s Moscow wrinkle seems strange, though that would certainly lend the proceedings an exotic international flavor. But where did the idea come from?
One person who may (or may not) have some Russian ties and who met with Mayweather recently is President Donald Trump, formerly a pretty big boxing promoter. (And still a pugnacious political pugilist.) Mayweather and Trump met just a week after Trump’s election victory. Neither man revealed the content of the conversation. Trump no longer holds casino interests, and never did make waves in Las Vegas — where Mayweather usually fights — despite major stakes in gambling in Atlantic City. But delivering Mayweather to Moscow for a billion dollar fight would be a nice little gift for Vladimir Putin — in case, you know, anybody owed him one. Mayweather (see below) is in Moscow promoting his boxing academy.
Had a great visit from @FloydMayweather today with @realdonaldtrump. One of the best all time boxing legends. pic.twitter.com/BFQbLMeHlH
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) November 17, 2016
