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‘Nothing Where I’m Going to Harm Myself’: Floyd Mayweather Remains Brutally Honest on Potential Conor McGregor Rematch

Published 09/21/2022, 1:07 PM EDT

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Floyd Mayweather retired from professional boxing after his victory over UFC superstar Conor McGregor in 2017. Since then, he has only competed in exhibition matches with YouTube sensation Logan Paul and Don Moore. Notably, Mayweather is now set to face his next opponent, Mikuru Asukara, in yet another exhibition bout on September 24th.

However, it looks like ‘Money’ is very interested in a potential rematch against McGregor next year. In an interview with MailSport, the former champion revealed that talks about a potential match with McGregor were ongoing for 2023. He stated that it could be an exhibition or a professional bout, although he would prefer it to be an exhibition.

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Mayweather was also brutally honest, revealing why he would prefer to face McGregor instead of a professional boxer. In the same interview, Mayweather stated that he was not willing to fight opponents that could potentially hurt him. He added that MMA fighters like McGregor, who aren’t proficient in boxing, could not physically hurt him like professional boxers.

I’m not into fights where I’m going to take any real punishment. So guys like Conor McGregor and guys that don’t really hit hard such as YouTubers. I don’t really mind colliding with those individuals, but nothing where I’m going to harm myself,” he said.

Floyd Mayweather Confirms Conor McGregor Rematch Date; Reveals if It’s Going to Be an Exhibition or Professional Fight

At this stage of his career, it does make sense for Mayweather to face opponents that are not on the same level as he is. However, as a competitor, Mayweather should not have this mindset, as he should challenge himself in every way possible.

Floyd Mayweather claims he will make millions in his next exhibition bout

Mayweather recently claimed he will earn between $15-20million for his bout against Asukara this Saturday. This seems to be a huge step up from his last visit to Japan. The former champ reportedly made $9m for his exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

“From This exhibition alone I will making somewhere upwards of $15-20million. That’s just from this exhibition. So, it’s cool. Nine minutes, 20 million, not bad. Exhibitions are also giving me a chance to travel more. I have always traveled a lot but I am able to entertain people all over the world,” he said, in an interview with the Daily Mail.

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Although Mayweather might be criticized for taking matches way below his skill level, his drawing power and financial success from these exhibition bouts cannot be ignored.

Do you agree with Mayweather’s take on the Conor McGregor rematch? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Sahil Sood

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Sahil Sood is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, and holds a keen interest in the 'sweet science'. His journey towards following boxing began when he first saw the highlights of Mike Tyson as a teenager, and then closely followed the rise of Floyd Mayweather.
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Edited by:

Melroy Fernandes