Conor McGregor has re-opened the door to a boxing sequel with Floyd Mayweather.
The UFC superstar made his debut in the squared circle in a huge fight with the boxing legend in 2017 which he lost by 10th-round stoppage. Reports emerged earlier this year that the pair were holding talks over a second meeting, with McGregor confirming his intentions to explore the fight on social media.
Mayweather later claimed a fight was close to completion just days after reports emerged the pair were just 'arguing' over the fight rules before an agreement is signed. However McGregor promptly shut down the news claiming that he was no longer interested and will instead make a UFC return.
But now the Irishman has issued his latest stance on the fight while responding to undisputed champion Claressa Shields on Twitter, writing: "You’ve [Shields] way more venom than Floyd. I beat Floyd if we rematch. Untold truth it was me who carried him the early rounds playing pitty patty. Every single shot I threw early landed. From body to head I was playing ping pong. I come out full force, and today, I end Floyd."
McGregor showed early glimpses of his boxing ability in the early stages of their first meeting but was ultimately outclassed with Mayweather putting his foot on the gas to end the contest. Despite initially prioritising a UFC return, it remains unclear when this will be with his comeback now delayed until 2023.
Mayweather retired from the professional ranks following the win five years ago but is currently fighting on the exhibition circuit, which has fuelled speculation over a second meeting. It is uncertain whether Mayweather will risk his 50-0 undefeated professional streak against the UFC superstar.
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And the 45-year-old has admitted that he would rather the fight be an exhibition having declared he no longer plans to test himself at the highest level. "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," Mayweather told the Daily Mail prior to his recent win over Mikuru Asakura.
"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. 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."
