Fixed or legit?

For anyone well versed in the game of pugilism, it’s no secret that some fights have been less than genuine. Sure, it may have been sold to the masses as a legit contest between two willing participants, but the reality was that all parties involved knew who would get their hand raised at the end of the night. For MMA Analyst Robin Black, the fix was in for recent exhibition bout between Floyd Mayweather and Tenshin Nasukawa.

Firstly, let’s just breakdown exactly what an exhibition bout is. An exhibition bout is a match in which two participants engage in combat more akin to a sparring session rather than a legitimate contest. It’s a popular attraction, especially in Asian markets like Japan. But what we saw this past New Year’s Eve wasn’t like many exhibition bouts put on in the past. Floyd Mayweather stepped into the ring and completely annihilated Tenshin Nasukawa.

Or at least that’s how it appeared.

For experienced MMA analyst Robin Black the bout seemed less than genuine. That isn’t to suggest that he unequivocally believes the match was fixed, but the nature of the action left some big questions in the mind of experts. But don’t listen to my words on what Robin Black said. Take a look and listen to hear what the man thought himself.

NEW VIDEO!!! Deeper Look!@FloydMayweather vs @TeppenTenshin!!

Sincerest thanks to @joerogan and @Grabaka_Hitman.

It’s the perfect debate. It works both ways.

Enjoy The Hostilities My Friends.@RIZINFF @rizin_PR @ufc @danawhite @ChaelSonnen @TheNotoriousMMA @TheRock @garyvee pic.twitter.com/qpq8CzH4Az

— Robin Black (@robinblackmma) January 1, 2019

If the fight was indeed fixed, Rizin Fighting Championships perhaps made a mistake in having their man Tenshin Nasukawa utterly dismantled and defeated. To think that they would want to see one of their shining prospects taken out in such dominant fashion is a bit head scratching to say the least. On the other hand if the bout was indeed on the level, it just shows how dominant Floyd Mayweather can be, particularly against opposition that is talented yet not quite on the same level as far as boxing is concerned.

For now it will remain a mystery and source of debate for years to come. There are multiple sides to look at this bout from and like Robin Black said, that’s what truly makes this discussion all the more intriguing.

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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.