FMJ Canelo
Floyd Mayweather Junior (L) defeated Canelo Alvarez last September, running his career record to 45-0. Reuters

Even at the ripe age of 37, boxing great Floyd Mayweather Junior continues to move along as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters the sport has ever seen. Upending Mexican talent SaulCanelo’ Alvarez last September in his most recent fight, the undefeated Michigan native announced this week via Twitter that he will step into the ring again on May 3 to face fellow welterweight titleholder Marcos Rene Maidana, a 30-year-old star from Argentina. Highlighting Maidana’s ability to strike quickly and knockout his opponents, FMJ says that the upcoming fight will be a true test for both boxers, since the Argentine will attempt to become the first person to upend the 45-0 champion.

“Marcos Maidana's last performance immediately brought him to my attention,” said Mayweather, who has taken down prominent fighters including Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya throughout his stellar career. “He is an extremely skilled fighter who brings knockout danger to the ring. I think this is a great fight for me and he deserves the opportunity to see if he can do what 45 others have tried to do before him -- beat me.”

Mayweather’s previous victory over WBC junior middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez generated a record $150 million in pay-per-view sales, another tremendous step for boxing concerning promotion and increased viewership. Fully aware of what he’s up against, Maidana – who posts a career record of 35-3 with 31 knockouts – is excited to be facing the unblemished champion because it will give him the opportunity to prove that he’s the best fighter in his division.

Marcos Maidana Rtrs Pic
Marcos Maidana (R) will attempt to become the first person to take down 45-0 Floyd Mayweather on May 3. Reuters

“I am extremely happy to be facing Floyd Mayweather because it will give me the opportunity to show the world that I am the best welterweight in the division,” Maidana said. “I just handed a great defensive fighter his first loss and I plan to do the same to Mayweather. I don't care whether he's the best and undefeated. I will bring some real Latino power to him on May 3.”

Though a venue for the bout has not yet been determined, the belief is that the Las Vegas MGM Grand and Brooklyn’s Barclays Center are the leading candidates to host the fight. The May 3 showdown will be made available through Showtime Pay-per-view.

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