"Ye Chen, is it true what they're saying online? Did you really turn down the offer of 180 million?"
"The 180 million quote—did you actually refuse it?"
"Ye Chen, are the reports accurate? Are you truly willing to forgo such a high appearance fee?"
"Atre..."
As the reporters swarmed Ye Chen, a flurry of questions erupted around him. The villa managers were not surprised; it was almost routine for the couples to engage in bouts like this on a weekly basis.
Ye Chen confirmed, "Yes, the reports are true. I did refuse the money fight with Mei Weishe." He had previously discussed the situation with Dana and the event organizers, and a mutual decision was reached to go public about his rejection of Mayweather's offer. However, specifics regarding any potential fight with Ava, including details about the financials and fight logistics, had yet to be finalized.
Ye Chen understood the significance of Mayweather's fighting history. Tyson's astonishing $30 million appearance fee in the 1990s was the mark that Mayweather ultimately surpassed fifteen years later with his sky-high fees. His fight against Pacquiao had fetched a staggering 180 million, while his matchup with Connor earned him over 100 million—Connor, on the other hand, received only 20 million. The stark contrast in payouts was a shock to the world.
This led the industry to view Ye Chen as a potential rival to Mayweather, despite his previous affiliation with Bina having come to an end. The decentralized nature of boxing means that the anticipated 180 million appearance fee encompasses various revenue streams. If Ye Chen and Mayweather squared off, it would capture global attention, leading to enormous advertising and off-site income predictions that would be tremendous.
Rumor had it that the same 180 million guarantee had been quoted to Mei Weishe as well, yet whispers suggested that the opponent might have an edge in stature. Ye Chen couldn't shake the feeling that he was slightly behind Mayweather in terms of legendary status, with Mayweather having retired following an impressive record and Ye Chen having a different trajectory.
When Ye Chen stated these details, reporters gasped in disbelief. "180 million, and you turned it down?" They were relentless, firing a barrage of inquiries. Ye Chen quickly interjected, "Please, one question at a time. I'll answer what I can, but excessive confusion makes it hard for me to respond."
As a celebrity, this chaotic life was part of his reality. One had to adapt, despite any discomfort. After a brief moment of focus on his part, the situation settled somewhat.
"Why would you refuse this fight? Surely you can't disregard such a staggering appearance fee of 180 million?"
Ye Chen shook his head. "Who wouldn't want that kind of money? But financial gain isn't the only avenue for making a living. I simply want to ensure that my career doesn't bring disgrace to boxing or MMA."
"What does that mean?"
"Are you implying that you fear losing to Meiweise?"
Ye Chen clarified, "Not at all. I just think that Ava, who is at the peak of his capabilities, presents a better match for my skills and weight class. Although 180 million is impressive, the loyalty and support of my over 60 million fans are even more vital to me. They deserve to see me challenge the toughest opponents rather than settle for defeating a retired fighter over the age of 40."
His confidence caught everyone off guard. They hadn't expected him to decline a fight under such circumstances. This week's developments seemed to align with the rumors circulating online, reinforcing their validity. Despite the chatter about breaking Mayweather's undefeated streak by facing him, legendary fighters like Cotto, Ava, Conor, and Pacquiao had all fallen to Mayweather in the ring.
Even in recent years, Mayweather had managed to defeat a young Sakura fighting prodigy, leaving a more significant impression on fans and critics alike. Although many believed the champion was aging, it was clear that he still possessed the unmatched skill that had defined his career.
"Do you genuinely believe you can defeat Mayweather?" This was the burning question on the minds of every journalist present.
Ye Chen countered, "Ava lost to Meiweise before; do you think Ava would stand a chance against him today?"
The room buzzed with mixed opinions. Some firmly believed that Mayweather's undefeated legacy was too great for him to fall now, even to Ava. Yet, there was also a prevalent sentiment among the crowd that circumstances had changed. One man had retired, while the other had remained a formidable force. Ten years had transformed Ava, and Mayweather could not claim to be in the same form he had once mastered.
Ye Chen nodded affirmatively. "It appears that the majority agree with me when I say Ava has improved. If we face each other in the ring, I plan to knock him down and prove it to everyone."
The crowd was stunned. The sheer audacity of claiming he could defeat Mayweather was one thing, but now he was saying he could take down Ava as well?
As the days progressed, Ye Chen's bold statements generated tremendous buzz across the media landscape. Surprisingly, he garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from netizens and spectators alike. At this point, it was an unexpected turn of events. Ye Chen's fan base surged beyond 4 million, surpassing 66 million followers in total.
However, not everyone was pleased. Many Mayweather supporters and boxing enthusiasts felt aggrieved by Ye Chen's hubris, believing he was being disrespectful to two of the best fighters of the 21st century. Mei Weishe himself took to social media to voice his critique, posting, "Every one of my 610 opponents claimed they could beat me before our matches. Each time, they learned the hard way in the ring that your uncle is still your uncle. Ye Chen, I see you're afraid. If you truly want to battle Ava, I'll bet on him without a moment's hesitation. I have faith that my former opponents will more than suffice to crush your delusions."
Alongside his post, a 20-second video of Ye Chen practicing his boxing movements accompanied Mei Weishe's remarks, which read, "Is this your boxing technique? I suggest you work on your dodges and feints. Your boxing skills are laughable. Come to me, and I'll gladly show you a few tricks so you can understand the essence of real boxing."
Remarkably, Ye Chen's interview created quite an impact, dragging Meiwei into a whirlwind of rivalry. Ultimately, it could be said that this brewing conflict brought together the three most prominent figures in the fighting world today, setting the stage for unprecedented excitement.
Yet, Ye Chen found himself unprepared for the intensity of the situation. Each day brought a new opportunity to sharpen his boxing abilities. After dedicating himself completely to training, he realized the gaps in his skill set were far wider than he'd previously estimated. Sparring partners, in hindsight, had felt less intimidating back when he was still honing his craft. He had no choice but to confront the challenges waiting for him in the boxing ring.
This day marked a significant turning point: Golovkin had arrived in Las Vegas.