/ 15 January 2014

Can Mayweather’s visit revive SA boxing?

Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Floyd Mayweather Jr will arrive in South Africa on Wednesday for a six-day visit that the government hopes will help "resuscitate" boxing in the country.

South Africa's sports ministry, which organised the trip, said Mayweather will visit Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and East London on the south east coast, the city regarded as the hotbed of South African boxing.

Sports ministry spokesperson Paena Galane said it was counting on Mayweather, "the greatest athlete in the world", to revive boxing.

In his last fight, Mayweather dominated Canelo Álvarez in September to improve to 45-0 with 26 knockouts and enhance his reputation as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter. Mayweather earned $41.5-million for the fight.

Mayweather hasn't announced an opponent for his next fight, expected to be in May. – Sapa-AP