There has been speculation for months that Floyd Mayweather has serious money problems, which is why he is currently suing Showtime for $340 million. That's why many believe he shocked the boxing world by announcing on Friday that he will end his ongoing exhibition tour and put his impressive 50-0 record in jeopardy with an official bout later this year.
"I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing," Mayweather told ESPN after signing a contract with CSI Sports/Fight Sports. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight after that – no one will draw a bigger gate than my event, draw a larger global broadcast audience, and make more money with each event.”
So who could “Money” face after his planned exhibition clash with the heavyweight great? We present five possible options, including a very risky dream fight against Terence Crawford.
Manny Pacquiao
There were rumors since last year that there could be a rematch of the 2015 fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao, which the American won. The first fight is likely to be the second most watched fight of all time, following "Pac-Man's" return to the ring last year.
Additionally, Mayweather would like to fight fights that he feels he can win and remain undefeated. A rematch with Pacquiao would be his best chance to do that while also making money.
Terence Crawford
Mayweather may be so desperate for a big payday that he may be willing to risk the thing he loves most – his 50-0 record. A fight that will generate the most interest and present the most risk will be the fight with Terence Crawford.
Crawford will be a huge favourite, and his name value is as strong as ever after winning his super-fight with Canelo Alvarez last year. The marketing of two of the greatest players of their generations and a 50-0 vs. 42-0 fight will definitely appeal to longtime fight fans.
jake paul
You can bet that there will be a potential fight for Floyd Mayweather with Jake Paul. Especially if he shows he can handle the size difference in a fight against Tyson. Despite the difference in weight, Paul is another low-risk option and brings a larger fan base. Additionally, many believe the fight will be easier to sell after Mayweather defeats his older brother Logan Paul in a 2021 exhibition bout.
aamir khan
While Mayweather faced many stars of his era, one big name with whom he never clashed was English star Aamir Khan. While the 39-year-old walks away from the game in 2022, he is often asked about a comeback and he seems ready for it for the right fight and the right money. A scrap with the greatest boxer of his era on a platform like Netflix will surely bring him out of retirement.
keith thurman
Floyd Mayweather may be facing a relevant name competing at a higher level this time around. However, as mentioned earlier, this would be a strategically smart choice that gives him a better chance of winning. That's why a matchup with Keith Thurman would be a possibility.
The former WBA and WBC champion is a top-five fighter at junior middleweight/super welterweight and will face Sebastian Fundora for the WBC belt next month. At 37 years old, he is in the final years of his career and would offer a name opponent in an age range that would be a better fit for "Money".
