The former five-weight boxing world champion was said to have agreed to face Nasukawa in Japan on 31 December.

Mayweather, 41, says he had only been asked to compete in a non-televised event for "wealthy spectators".

"Once I arrived to the press conference, my team and I were completely derailed," said Mayweather.

"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."

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