Floyd Mayweather Will Teach You How to Box in Virtual Reality
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather is pound-for-pound one of the greatest fighters in this generation. The 40-year-old’s last bout was a decision by knock-out against Conor McGregor last August.
Mayweather — who is still in incredible shape — likely won’t be back in the ring anytime soon. Rather, his attention has been turned to coaching boxing…in virtual reality.
Mayweather Boxing & Fitness is open in Los Angeles and will feature the usual amenities of a boxing gym: free weights, cardio equipment, boxing ring, and heavy bags. The gym also has a staff of personal trainers, and Mayweather will be one of them…but you’ll need a headset to access his coaching.
“I wanted to be able to share my knowledge and techniques with everyone, so we developed this group fitness studio concept where hundreds of members at each location will be coached each day,” Mayweather said in an interview with Club Industry. “Since I can’t be at every workout throughout the world, VR makes it possible for virtual me to coach members, no matter where they are. We are also seeing an evolution in the fitness industry toward smarter training technologies and more immersive experiences.
“And, of course, we wanted to lead that movement. Our members experience what it’s really like to train with me in a one-on-one session, and we utilize that technology to improve their techniques, their fitness and the overall effectiveness of our offering.”
The VR headset takes you to a world where Floyd Mayweather is your coach. The undefeated champion will put you through a series of workouts:
- virtual speed bag drills for hand-eye coordination
- Endurance punching
- Mayweather will hold up virtual pads for you in the simulation and coach you through different boxing combinations
- Mayweather also will sit in your corner with you as you fight other opponents in virtual reality
Additionally, every workout Mayweather teaches in VR will be available on his training app.
Mayweather -like many others- has recognized that the sports industry is changing and becoming more technologically advanced. According to the champ, Mayweather Boxing & Fitness is set to grow at a rapid pace and have over 500 locations open in the next five years. Gyms outside of Mayweather Boxing and Fitness have the option to add a VR station to their gym.
“The VR program is part of the core offering of the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness franchise model,” Mayweather said. “All franchise owners will be able to utilize our VR system to enhance their business in a variety of ways — most notably as both a revenue driver, where members can pay for personalized VR training, and as a member acquisition tool by partnering with local brands for promotional events in their stores to source strong leads.
“We have been seeing exceptional member conversion at very low costs using these VR activations. The VR product also has local and global scoreboards, so members can track their progress and take part in Mayweather VR competitions, with prizes ranging from free gear to meet-and-greets with me.”
The idea of having 500-plus locations in five years is not far-fetched. Mayweather’s first gym on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles was profitable in the first three months of business and he said that he will work to keep adding new material to the programs over time.
Much like Rickie Fowler and Success Series, Mayweather sees the potential in reaching his fan base or those who love the sport in a more immersive way. Studies have shown that learning in VR can improve confidence when placed in game situations — since you have already lived in the simulation.
Soon athletes from every major sport will be teaching the future generations in virtual or augmented reality.
