Who Is Tenshin Nasukawa? New Details On The Boxer Defeated By Floyd Mayweather
He was undefeated until then.
getty Everyone loves to watch a good fight, especially a hyped-up event. Back in August 2017, the world was pumped to watch Floyd Mayweather, who came out of retirement just to box, fight Conor McGregor in McGregor’s first time in the boxing ring.
But on New Year’s Eve, fans got another taste of Mayweather when he fought 20-year-old Tenshin Nasukawa. The fight took place under boxing rules and occured in Japan promoted by RIZIN Fighting Federation, a Japanese company. In the three-round boxing match, Nasukawa was knocked down three times in the first round and surrendered shortly after, awarding Mayweather another victory in his undefeated streak and leaving Nasukawa with a 27-1 record.
But we’re more curious about this boxer. Just who is Tenshin Nasukawa?
He’s actually much more than just a boxer; in fact, he’s also a kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and is currently ranked as the #8 bantamweight kickboxer in the world. He also participated in MMA fights. He’s perhaps most famous for his knockouts, doling out 26 throughout his career; he knocked out Amnat Ruenroeng, a former IBF flyweight champion, and Wanchalong PK Senchaigym, who was the 2016 Knockout of the Year.
Currently, Nasukawa is the RISE featherweight kickboxing world champion but has previously been the RISE bantamweight kickboxing world champion. And though he lost to Mayweather and gained his first defeat, he’s fought boxers before, one of them being Amnat Ruenroeng, whom we know he knocked out during their fight.
Contrary to what people may think, Nasukawa was extremely grateful for the opportunity to fight Mayweather, and even posted on social media to thank the boxer:
“I have worked hard with a big dream in the combat world. Karate, Kickboxing, MMA and Boxing. When I first got the offer I took it in a flash. I thought this was an opportunity of a lifetime, and although there were significant differences in accomplishments and weight classes, I felt that I must not run and take on the challenge.
The days since the fight was confirmed have been enjoyable but with concerns, and I spent the time thinking about many things. At the end of the day, I got finished, but I have no regrets. I am disappointed at myself since I thought I could have done better. But I will face the facts and will continue to take on any challenge. I learned that I didn’t work hard enough to earn this opportunity, and I will use this defeat to improve myself and move forward this year.
Despite all the things that happened leading up to the fight, I came to realize how truly great Mayweather was. I was the one underestimating him. I promise to make it to that level! It may take some time for me to become the man to haul the industry on my shoulders, but please continue to support me! Everybody who work to make this fight happen, thank you very much. Mr. Mayweather, thank you very much.”
Many have criticized Mayweather for boasting about his record and gloating about his easy win.
But he shot back, saying, “It was all about entertainment — we had a lot of fun. They wanted this to happen in Japan, so I said ‘why not?’ I’m still undefeated. Tenshin is still undefeated. Tenshin is a true champion and a hell of a fighter. I want the fans around the world to support Tenshin; he’s a great guy and a great champion.” How’s that for sportsmanship?
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.