Floyd Mayweather 'will fight Conor McGregor next year', could be an exhibition bout

Floyd Mayweather says a rematch against Conor McGregor is in the works, with a decision on whether it's an exhibition or professional bout still to be worked out.

'Money' returns to action this weekend when he faces Japanese MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura.

Speaking ahead of his exhibition bout in Japan, the 45-year-old revealed that a second meeting with the UFC superstar is in the pipeline.

Image: Alamy

Speaking to Sportsmail, he said: "I want to go out there this weekend and have fun [against Mikuru Asakura]. Then I have another exhibition Dubai in November and me and Conor McGregor in 2023.

"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."

Mayweather added: "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."

Image: Alamy

Of course, Mayweather and McGregor first crossed paths in the boxing ring back in August 2017.

The American stopped the Irishman in an extremely lucrative money-spinning Las Vegas showdown.

Mayweather subsequently retired after beating McGregor, but has returned to the squared circle for exhibition bouts.

He's fought Tenshin Nasukawa, Don Moore and notably Logan Paul.

As for McGregor, he's on a two-fight losing skid, having lost back-to-back fights to Dustin Poirier.

He's closing in on his return following his leg break injury in his last outing.