Floyd Mayweather receives warm welcome in Zimbabwe – WATCH
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather certainly knows how to make an appearance. The unbeaten star is currently in Zimbabwe.
Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather certainly knows how to make an appearance.
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The 46-year-old arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, kicking off his highly anticipated four-day visit to Africa as part of his ‘Motherland Tour’.
Mayweather, who was invited to Zimbabwe by prominent businessman and boxing enthusiast Scott Sakupwanya, arrived in his private jet worth $50 million, Daily Star reports.
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Mayweather was also met with a fleet of luxury cars at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and received a rousing welcome.
Shortly after his arrival, Mayweather took to Instagram to write to his 29.5 million followers: “Enjoying the Motherland Tour. Thank you Zimbabwe for embracing me with open arms.”
Sakupwanya, one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s closest allies, confirmed that he invited Mayweather.
The intention is reportedly to win over youth voters for President Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF party ahead of next month’s general election in Zimbabwe.
Sakupwanya is himself looking to reclaim a parliamentary seat from the opposition.
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Sakupwanya told Reuters: “People thought I was lying when I said I would bring Mayweather, but he is here. This shows that what I will promise in this election will come to pass.”
Floyd Mayweather retired with a perfect 50-0 record
On Thursday, Mayweather was welcomed with singing and dancing by ZANU PF party supporters in Mabvuku.
Mabvuku is one of Zimbabwe’s oldest townships, located on the outskirts of the country’s capital Harare.
Mayweather also performed a public workout to the delight of the crowd.
Mayweather will next head to South Africa to continue his tour of the African continent and will be the guest of honour at an event at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 15 July.
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Meanwhile, Harare reports that Mayweather’s visit aims to empower the youth.
Mayweather, who retired with a perfect 50-0 record, 27 of which came via knockout, intends to spearhead projects aimed at generating job opportunities for the youth in Africa.
He reportedly also plans to make undisclosed donations to both Zimbabwe and South Africa, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the communities he visits.