Mayweather welcomes fight against McGregor

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. says facing UFC star Conor McGregor in a boxing ring “can happen” and is something that would “give the fans what they want to see.”

In a question-and-answer session Saturday in England, McGregor said he plans to put his UFC career on hold to pursue boxing and a bout with Mayweather, who hasn’t fought since 2015.

Asked to respond before the Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz fight Saturday night in Las Vegas, Mayweather expressed enthusiasm for the matchup. He says he’d want the fight to be at either 147 or 150 pounds and be part of a Showtime pay-per-view package.

Many details would have to be worked out, but when asked if a deal could be struck, Mayweather said, “absolutely.”

Mayweather had previously announced that he would fight McGregor, who remains the biggest name in the UFC world, for $100 million.

The possibility of Mayweather fighting McGregor in a boxing match was raised last year, and at first, experts were quick in brushing it aside.

Mayweather and McGregor started taunting each other as talks of their showdown continued.

Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing icon, stepped into the picture a few days ago, saying he was also willing to face the Irish fighter.

Pacquiao did not mention any amount needed for him to fight McGregor but said the fight may take place as long as it’s a boxing match.

“Basta boxing,” said Pacquiao, likely to fight Australian Jeff Horn in April. The final details of the fight, including the purse and the venue, are still being ironed out.

Pacquiao has couple or more fights left in him, and at the back of his mind is a rematch with Mayweather.

When Mayweather and Pacquiao fought in 2015, they broke all records in boxing, from the total revenues of over $400 million to pay-per-view hits of 4.4 million.

Mayweather hasn’t fought since September 2015, when he outboxed Andre Berto and improved his record to 49-0.

The American boxer, listed as the richest athlete in history, said the Berto fight was his last.

But now, Mayweather is talking about unretiring to face McGregor inside the boxing ring.

“I’m not sure whether the fight is going to happen but most likely a fight with Conor McGregor will happen,” Mayweather told Sky Sports in Las Vegas yesterday.

For the fight to happen, McGregor will have to acquire a boxing license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“I believe I can get my number. We’re going to do a job on my side. The fight hasn’t been made yet but it’s all about entertainment. Hopefully, we can make it happen. I’m the Pay-Per-View king and I’m looking forward to doing big Pay-Per-View numbers again,” he said.

Asked if he was ready to fight again, Mayweather said, “I believe so.” – With AP