It's Conor McGregor or nothing for Floyd Mayweather

  • 12/01/2017
Floyd Mayweather, Conor McGregor
Floyd Mayweather (Getty file)

Floyd Mayweather says only a showdown with UFC superstar Conor McGregor could tempt him back into the boxing ring.

Mayweather signed off on his professional career with a points win over Andre Berto in September 2015 to take his record to a perfect 49-0.

But the former five-weight world champion, who turns 40 next month, has recently been linked with a so-called 'super fight' in a crossover encounter against McGregor.

Given McGregor has never boxed professionally, a bout with Mayweather appears a complete mismatch on paper.

But the Irishman, the current UFC lightweight champion and former featherweight titlist, is renowned for his punching power in the octagon.

Crucially, McGregor attained a boxing licence last month, granted by the California State Athletic Commission, which would allow him to fight in the state.

And Mayweather admitted that a contest with McGregor - rather than a rematch with fellow pound-for-pound superstar Manny Pacquiao, whom he beat via unanimous decision in May 2015 - would whet his appetite should he opt to end his retirement.

"The only thing I'm probably interested in is the Conor McGregor fight," Mayweather told ESPN.

"I'm a businessman and it makes more business sense. Conor McGregor keeps telling everybody he wants the fight. Let's make it happen."

McGregor has previously said he would want $US100 million ($NZ145 million) to take on Mayweather, who similarly wants a guaranteed nine-figure payday.

But Mayweather, who revealed discussions have taken place over a fight before, believes he is the more marketable star.

"We tried to make the Conor McGregor fight. They know what my number is. My number was a guaranteed $100 million. That was my number.

"We are willing to give him $US15m ($NZ25m) and then we can talk about splitting the percentage. The back-end percentage on pay-per view. But of course we're the A-side."

PA