Floyd Mayweather makes his presence felt as Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane face-off ahead of world title clash in April

Floyd Mayweather may not be fighting any more, but he was still the star attraction as he took to the stage at the press conference for the upcoming showdown between Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane.

Four-division world and current champion Broner - who bases his style and mannerisms upon Mayweather and Theophane who fights under the latters promotional banner, will meet for the WBA light-welterweight title on April 1 at the D.C Armory.

Known for his brash manner and vulgar trash-talk, Broner who had been seen as the heir to the welterweight throne - until his two convincing losses to Marcos Maidana and more recently Shawn Porter, was surprisingly respectful to his opponent but promised the bout would not be going the distance, as the taunts soon crept in.

Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane (R)  faced off at the press conference ahead of their bout on April 1

Light-welterweight champion Broner taunts Theophane as Floyd Mayweather (centre) watches on

Mayweather may not be fighting but he was the star attraction at the press conference 

'This is really a big fight for me. I know that Ashley Theophane is going to come to fight, because he has something to prove. He's going to try to take my world title.

'A lot of people told me I wouldn't be here. I come from nothing. Like cereal and water nothing. I'm very fortunate to have someone like Floyd to look up to. I don't want to be like Floyd though, I don't want to be like any man. I admire him and respect him, but I'm creating my legacy.

Mayweather was on hand as representative of Theophane who boxes under the Mayweather promotions

The retired superstar gives some advice to the former British champion (right) in Washington on Monday

Mayweather reaches over Theophane to pat Gervonta Davis on the chest during the news conference

'At the end of the day, Floyd and Ashley aren't on my side. I'm against them. They're coming to dethrone me. They're my enemy right now and I'm going to beat Ashley down.

'This training camp, I've really been perfecting my craft. This is going to be the best performance of my career. It's going to be a highlight reel performance. I'm not coming to just get a win.

'This fight isn't going four rounds. That's too many. This is going to be quick. I'm not playing.

'I want everyone to come out. Big brother Floyd Mayweather is gone, everyone else is too boring, so I'm taking over the sport.' 

British boxer Theophane has been training overseas since 2005 and now boxes out of Mayweather's Las Vegas gym

Former British champion Theophane, who has been training in America since 2005, was taken under the wing of the unbeaten fighter and is well aware that this opportunity is not only a step up in class, but one he is confident of winning.

'I've watched Adrien Broner in the past. I was at the John Molina and Shawn Porter fights and I know he's got talent. But he can be beat. He's vulnerable, very vulnerable. 

'I'm representing Floyd Mayweather. He has my back and he believes in me. He believes I can win and that's extra motivation.

'I want to be the best I've ever been. I want to fight the fight of my life on April 1. I don't want to turn the clock back. I want this to be the best performance of my career.

Rapper Rick Ross (centre) poses with Broner and Mayweather after the formalities were over with

Broner shares a joke with rapper Ross during the press conference to announce his next fight

Mayweather wore a pair of boots with white trousers and a red jumper and flat hat with sunglasses to the press conference 

'It's been a long journey as a professional and I have to thank Floyd for giving me this chance. April 1 is going to be a war. Adrien is a warrior and I know he has no quit in him. If you have a dream, you have to work hard to make it come true and that's what I'm here to do.'

Mayweather, who ended his 19-year professional career with a comfortable win over Andre Berto in September, taking his record to 49-0, was not willing to predict a winner, but felt his stalemate would provide stiff opposition for the man who calls himself the 'problem'.

'Ashley Theophane is a guy that came from the UK with a dream. His dream was to be world champion one day. Same dream I had. He's a very humble, hungry and dedicated fighter.

'I don't think this is going to be an easy fight for Adrien. I'll tell both guys to push themselves to the limit and give fans what they want to see.'

Looking very much like a doppelgänger for Broner- albeit a good few pounds heavier than the contracted weight, platinum selling American rapper Rick Ross was among a number of famous faces out in Washington and the musician offered his backing to the Ohio fighter.

'I'm not only a friend of the boxers, but I'm also a friend of the sport. This is my favourite sport. I believe this is the sport of gladiators. This is where men, with ambition and sheer will stand-alone.

'Me and my friend Adrien Broner, will be doing some exciting things in 2016. I'm here to let everyone know on behalf of the hip-hop community, that we're supporting this fight. April 1, 'The Boss' will be in the building.'