Floyd Mayweather has seemingly made a U-turn saying that he has not agreed to face Tenshin Nasukawa in an official bout and had “never heard” of the Japanese kickboxer until this week.

Mayweather stated that he had only been asked to compete in a non-televised event for ‘worthy spectators’

“This was to be an exhibition put on for a small group of wealthy spectators for a very large fee,” said Mayweather.

“Once I arrived to the press conference, my team and I were completely derailed by the new direction this event was going and we should have put a stop to it immediately.

“I can assure you that I too was completely blindsided by the arrangements that were being made without my consent nor approval. I was hesitant to create a huge disturbance by combating what was being said and for that I am truly sorry.”

It was unclear whether the one-off bout with Nasukawa, 20, would take place.

Mayweather continued: “First and foremost, I want it to be clear that I, Floyd Mayweather, never agreed to an official bout with Tenshin Nasukawa.

“In fact [with all due respect] I have never heard of him until this recent trip to Japan.

“I was asked to participate in a nine-minute exhibition of three rounds with an opponent selected by the Rizen Fighting Federation.”