Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather will not fight Conor McGregor in 2023 despite informing his fans that a rematch with the UFC star was happening.
Mayweather had claimed that the Irishman was on board with a repeat of his August 2017 event. The professional boxing match became the second most-bought pay-per-view in history.
Mayweather wants to make big money a second time without committing to another sanctioned match.
He told The Daily Mail: “I want to go out this weekend and have fun. [against Mikuru Asakura]. Then I have another exhibition in Dubai in November and myself and Conor McGregor in 2023.
“We don’t know if it’s going to be an exhibition of a real fight. But there have been talks of both. I prefer an exhibition.
Will Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor fight again?
However, it takes two to tango, and McGregor had none of that when he responded via social media.
“The Notorious” bluntly stated that he was “not interested” in the pair facing off in the return of their one-sided thrashing at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Dominating the collision until taking out McGregor at the end, Mayweather played “Champ Champ” as he pleased.
Sometimes it was painful to watch, like promoter Mayweather’s exhibition contest with Logan Paul when there was no winner.
Mayweather, who is looking for fighters he can avoid damage against, has no intention of retiring. He is currently set to face another non-boxer in Japan on September 24 at Mikuru Asakura.
Manny Pacquiao option
Mayweather’s team seems to be working hard to get the reaction from the fans against McGregor II. But the truth is that Manny Pacquiao would be the preferred option for most before they both leave for good.
They had unfinished business after their US record breaking in May 2015.
However, they both have a full plate today. Mayweather faces kickboxer Asakura before YouTuber Deji in November.
At the same time, Pacquiao has exhibitions scheduled against struggling YouTuber DK Yoo and undefeated Frenchman Jaber Zayani.
A window in May 2023, eight years after their initial fight, is available. With McGregor off the table, Mayweather had no choice but to get closer to his career nemesis.
If that fails, there’s always Jake Paul.
Mayweather vs. Asakura
Information about the Mayweather vs. Asakura purchase was sealed with days to go until fight night.
Integrated Sports throughout North America will distribute the event. It will be televised live on Pay Per View cable and satellite via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH, Shaw PPV, Rogers, Bell TV and SaskTel.
Mayweather vs. Asakura is priced at $29.99. Additionally, it will air via digital PPV on FITE (all FITE Mobile Apps, OTT Streaming and Smart TV) and PPV.com.
Integrated Sports will distribute Super RIZIN, headlined by the exhibition match.
The fight takes place between Mayweather, an International Boxing Hall of Famer and former five-division world champion, and two-time Japanese mixed martial arts champion Askakura.
Mayweather vs. Asakura is live this Saturday night (September 24), starting at 11pm ET, from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
WBN editor Phil Jay has over ten years of boxing news experience. He follows WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
