Even though the chances of Floyd Mayweather Jr. ever fighting Conor McGregor are incredibly slim, the undefeated boxing champion is intent on keeping the public interested.
Mayweather, who loves the spotlight and has always been a fantastic promoter, was asked again about the McGregor rumors during an interview with Showtime Friday night. When the host gave him a chance to admit he was just “looking for attention,” Floyd doubled down.
“Well, it’s really not a rumor,” he said. “The fight may happen. We really don’t know as of right now. But do I think the fight will happen? Absolutely.”
Mayweather said last weekend that a fight with McGregor is a possibility, so he has upgraded the chances. He said the bout would have to be a boxing match because most fights McGregor won were as a stand-up fighter anyway. Floyd even went as far as to say McGregor could give him a “tough” fight.
“He’s no pushover. One thing about Conor McGregor, he’s no pushover,” Mayweather said. “He fell short in his last bout, but a true champion can always bounce back. That’s a guy I can’t overlook.”
No details like a venue or financial terms have been discussed, but Mayweather reiterated that he would have to get at least $100 million for the fight.
Everyone knows Mayweather and McGregor love publicity, and that is part of what makes them the biggest draws in their respective sports. McGregor already did his part to fuel speculation about an unprecedented MMA vs. boxing fight when he tweeted this photo of a fake promotion poster. He then sent this tweet on Saturday:
I run boxing.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 14, 2016
Despite all that, there still aren’t many people who believe it will actually happen.
