Boxing: McGregor fight likely, says Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather. Photo / AP

Floyd Mayweather has broken his silence regarding a potential fight with UFC star Conor McGregor by revealing he is "90 per cent" likely to face him if he returns to the ring because it's "the only fight that makes sense".

UFC lightweight champion McGregor, who has a licence to box in California, insisted last week he has signed a contract to fight Mayweather and awaits the American's response.

Mayweather had refused to respond in the build-up to yesterday's fight between his protege Gervonta Davis and Liam Walsh in London but after Davis' third-round knockout victory sounded increasingly confident of fighting this year.

The undefeated 40-year-old has remained inactive since he outpointed Andre Berto in September 2015. Few expected he would retire with a record of 49 victories, level with Rocky Marciano, and in the past 12 months there has been increasing speculation regarding a match-up with Ireland's McGregor.

"If I do fight, there's a 90 per cent chance it's against Conor McGregor," Mayweather said. "When I get back to the US, I'll call Al [Haymon, Mayweather's adviser] and see our next move. There's no rush.

"The only fight that makes sense to me is the McGregor fight. I guess I have one more obstacle that I have to get over.

"We have to give the people what they want to see. The fans demand that fight; we have to give them what they want to see to make them happy.

"I think this year I'll be back at No 1 in Forbes [list of athletes' net worth]. It's possible [this fight against McGregor could be made quickly] but we don't want to rush," he said.

Mayweather dropped into third person speak on his talents - "when Floyd Mayweather fights, it's history. When it's time to do what I have to, I'll look tremendous, and sharp."

- AAP