Floyd Mayweather has revealed a rematch with UFC star Conor McGregor could be a professional fight, but he would rather it be an exhibition.
Former five-weight world champion Mayweather stopped McGregor in the Irishman's professional boxing debut when they fought in 2017. At the time, McGregor was at the height of his UFC fame having become the first two-weight champion in the promotion whilst Mayweather improved his flawless record to 50-0 with the win. The fight sold 4.3 million pay-per-view buys, making it the second highest-selling event in history behind Mayweather's 2015 bout against Manny Pacquiao.
Reports suggested the pair were holding talks over a potential sequel, with McGregor appearing to hint at a second fight on social media by writing: "I accept." Ahead of his latest exhibition venture against against Mikuru Asakura this Saturday, Mayweather has confirmed that he wants to have one more exhibition fight before facing McGregor again next year.
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"I want to go out there this weekend and have fun, 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 of a real fight. But there's been talks of both. I would prefer an exhibition," Mayweather told the Daily Mail.
"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."
UFC president Dana White initially poured dismissed talks of a rematch between the pair, claiming that he is not interested in pardoning McGregor from his contractual duties with the promotion to face Mayweather again. McGregor's UFC deal is expected to expire in October 2023, meaning he would be free to negotiate a second fight without the UFC if he chooses not to re-sign with the promotion.
McGregor, who is currently filming for his Hollywood debut, hasn't fought since breaking his against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight last July. The UFC star confirmed his plans to box again when speaking with Sky Sports in May, stating: "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 UFC - that story is far from over, in fact it's just being written, it is just the beginning. Boxing, for sure I will grace the squared circle again in the future."
