Mayweather turns up at Rio boxing - to watch

Rio de Janeiro - Unbeaten American boxing star Floyd Mayweather made a surprise appearance at the Rio Olympics boxing on Saturday, surrounded by an imposing group of companions.

The former world champion, 39, who retired last year after going 49-0, appeared out of the blue in the crowd in the afternoon session, a pair of headphones planted in his ears.

"Taking in some of the art & culture in the city of Rio De Janeiro," he tweeted earlier.

The action in the ring soon became of secondary importance as photographers at ring-side and spectators turned to snap pictures of Mayweather, who took bronze for the United States at the 1996 Games before going on to become one of the finest boxers in history.

Taking in some of the art & culture in the city of Rio De Janeiro #rio2016 #Olympics #TMT #brazil https://t.co/x2u2BcIB59

— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) August 13, 2016

At the Olympics scouting future boxing champions. #Rio2016 #Olympics https://t.co/tn86DZetY8

— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) August 14, 2016

Overlooking my living space for the 2016 Olympics. This 5-Star cruise ship in Rio setup for a 1st class experience.. https://t.co/f9e0f6ihmM

— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) August 13, 2016