Mayweather on McGregor fight: ‘We can make it happen’

MANILA, Philippines – Floyd Mayweather Jr continues to fan the flames of a ring return as the unbeaten American boxer once again addressed the circulating buzz about possibly facing UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor in a boxing match.

In an interview with Showtime’s Steve Farhood on Saturday, May 14, the 39-year-old native of Grand Rapids, Michigan made a potential showdown with the 27-year-old Irishman sound like a real possibility.

“It’s really not a rumor. The fight may happen. We really don’t know, as of right now. As of right now. But do I think the fight will happen? Absolutely,” Mayweather said. 

Mayweather dismissed the idea of entering the Octagon and fighting under mixed martial arts (MMA) rules, citing that McGregor is well-versed striker who won 17 of his 22 professional outings by knockout. 

“We’re the A-side, of course. It has to be a boxing match because most fights that Conor McGregor won inside the Octagon, he was a stand-up guy. So I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a tough fight for me. We really don’t know as of right now, but there’s been a lot of talk, and hopefully we can make the fight happen,” he stated.

A 5-division world champion in boxing, Mayweather shot down the notion that he would dominate McGregor because of his lack of professional boxing experience.

“He’s no pushover. One thing about Conor McGregor, he’s no pushover. He fell short in his last bout, but a true champion can always bounce back. So that’s a guy that I can’t overlook,” he shared. 

Mayweather retired from boxing with an immaculate 49-0 record after outpointing Andre Berto in September 2015, but the rumblings of a return have gotten louder after ESPN released a story detailing Mayweather Promotions’ application for trademarks of the “TBE 50” and “TMT 50” slogans.

As for his chances of returning to boxing competitively, Mayweather gives it a “50-50” chance of returning to the sport full-time.

.@FloydMayweather says it’s a 50-50 shot he returns to the ring. #ShoBox https://t.co/2t9UUZz0Ge

— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) May 14, 2016

“We haven’t spoken on certain terms. I’m my boss on my end. I don’t know what Conor McGregor can do, but I’m pretty sure we can make it happen,” he asserted. 

Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White does not see Mayweather and McGregor fighting anytime soon and believes it is unlikely that they ever could agree to terms. 

“Let me put it to you this way, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are in the same sport. It took how long for those two to fight? Now imagine how hard it would be to get [Mayweather and McGregor] to fight. They’re not in the same sport,” White told ESPN.

UFC’s head honcho stressed that Mayweather should call him first if he desires to square off with McGregor. 

“Is this thing going to be MMA or boxing rules? Who’s getting the lion’s share of the money? This and that. It’s impossible,” White said. “But like I’ve said, Floyd, you want to fight Conor, call me.” – Rappler.com