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Former five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather has hinted at a possible rematch with UFC star Conor McGregor and has said that he would want it to be an exhibition match rather than a professional bout.
The two are touted to meet in 2023 and if it happens, Mayweather and McGregor will meet after six long years, having last fought against each other in 2017. The American boxer said that the final negotiations are in process.
The last time the two boxers met, Mayweather proved too hot to handle for the Irishman as he took McGregor down in the tenth round. ‘Money’ beat McGregor by TKO when they fought in Las Vegas in August 2017.
Notably, Mayweather is scheduled to play Mikuru Asakura in an exhibition bout on September 24th in Japan. He will then play another exhibition match in Dubai.
The 45-year-old revealed his future plans in an interview and it was there he revealed that he and Conor McGregor are planning on taking on each other next year. Talking to Sportsmail, Mayweather confirmed that a fight is on the cards but it can’t be confirmed whether it is going to be a real fight or an exhibition bout.
“I want to go out there this weekend and have fun [against Mikuru Asakura]. Then I have another exhibition 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 fight. But there's been talks of both. I would prefer an exhibition,” said Mayweather.
He also explained why he would prefer an exhibition bout over a real fight. The 45-year-old said that he does not want to put himself in a position where he can get physically harmed.
“I am not into fights where I am going to take any real punishment. So, guys like Conor McGregor and guys that don't really hit hard such as YouTubers or UFC guys, I don't really mind colliding with those kinds of individuals but nothing where I am going to put myself in a position where I am going to harm myself or hurt myself,” he explained.