Posted: 10:23, 21 September 2022 | Updated: 11:31, September 21, 2022
Floyd Mayweather has confirmed a 2023 rematch with Conor McGregor is in the works and said the long-awaited rematch could be a professional fight.
It’s been nearly five years since Mayweather taught the UFC superstar a boxing lesson, securing a tenth-round TKO victory in Las Vegas in August 2017.
Mayweather has now revealed he is in final negotiations with McGregor over the terms of their 2023 rematch and revealed it could be a professional fight.
Floyd Mayweather could return to the ring in a professional capacity to face McGregor again
Conor McGregor and Mayweather faced each other in a boxing match in 2017
Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail, Mayweather discussed his plans for the rest of the year and revealed he could fight McGregor in a professional fight in 2023.
Mayweather said: “I want to go out there this weekend and have fun [against Mikuru Asakura]. Then I have another show in Dubai in November and me and Conor McGregor in 2023.
“We don’t know if it’s going to be an exhibition or a real match. But there have been discussions about both. I would prefer an exhibition.’
When asked why he would prefer an exhibition, Mayweather said: “I’m not into fights where I’m going to really punish.
Mayweather dominated McGregor and earned a tenth round TKO against the UFC star
“Well, guys like Conor McGregor and guys who don’t really hit hard, like the YouTubers or the UFC guys, I don’t mind going up against those types of people, but nothing I’m going to put myself in a position to be. I’m going to hurt myself or I’m going to hurt myself.’
Mayweather’s clash with the Notorious proved to be his last professional fight, taking his record to 50 wins and zero losses or draws.
Mayweather – who insists he wouldn’t change a thing about his career – reportedly earned around $280 million from the blockbuster fight.
Meanwhile, McGregor took home $130 million from his first and only boxing match.
Since then, McGregor has suffered three losses in his last four UFC fights. He has also taken some time away from the Octagon after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier.
McGregor has stated his intentions to return to the boxing ring one day in the future
McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg (above) in his loss to Dustin Poirier
Despite this, McGregor confirmed his desire to return to boxing while attending the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.
He told Sky Sports: “Boxing is my first love in combat sports. I had such a great time the last time I was out there.
“Obviously, my return will be in the Octagon for the UFC – this story is far from over, in fact it’s just being written, it’s just the beginning. But, boxing, I will certainly grace the squared circle again in the future.’
Meanwhile, Mayweather will return to action this weekend when he takes on MMA fighter Asakura in an exhibition bout in Japan.
You can watch Floyd Mayweather in action against Mikuru Asakura live on FITE TV this Saturday, September 24th
