Conor McGregor camp 'very interested' in Floyd Mayweather fight 'if it's serious,' says agent
— -- A lucrative boxing match between pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather and UFC star Conor McGregor is still more fantasy than reality -- but never say never.
McGregor's agent, Audie Attar of Paradigm Sports Management, told ESPN's 5ive Rounds podcast on Tuesday that McGregor's team would be "very interested" in the event, should talks become serious.
McGregor (21-3) is a two-weight UFC champion, who has already demanded $100 million for a proposed boxing match against Mayweather. The Irish star remains under contract with the UFC. According to Attar, a lot would have to happen for a Mayweather fight to take place. But Attar and McGregor are in the business of keeping options open.
"Look, it wasn't something we started, right?" Attar said. "It was something Floyd started and Conor responded in kind on social media. It's obviously built up public interest. Part of that may have been Floyd testing waters -- I really don't know what his motives are.
"All I can tell you is we are very interested if it's serious. Ultimately, I think we have to see if it's real or not. That's what it comes down to.
"Floyd may have been waiting to see if Conor is the real deal and I think how he handled his first adversity with Nate [Diaz], beating Nate the second time at 170 [pounds], dominating the lightweight champion, the first to hold two belts -- I think he's shown he's for real."
Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs) hasn't fought since September 2015, when he defeated Andre Berto via unanimous decision and announced his retirement.
He recently fueled speculation of a rematch with Manny Pacquiao by attending the Filipino boxer's win over Jesse Vargas on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas.
"I don't know if Floyd is enjoying the retirement life too much, if it's a PR stint to keep the fun going of what he has going on in the boxing world," Attar said. "Ultimately, I think we'll find out soon enough if [his interest in fighting McGregor] is real or not.
"I think there's so many moving parts that it would take hours for us to discuss [the logistics of that fight]. I think [UFC president Dana White] has interest in this as well."
In the meantime, White told the Los Angeles Times that McGregor won't be back in the Octagon until at least May. The 28-year-old is expecting the birth of his first child in 2017.
McGregor's upcoming hiatus coincides with WWE's WrestleMania 33 card on April 2 in Orlando, Florida -- leading some to speculate about a potential foray into the scripted world of pro wrestling for the two-weight UFC champion.
Attar said Tuesday that it's something McGregor is willing to entertain -- as long as the money is right.
"I think it's all about business, man," Attar said. "If [WWE] is going to come with an offer, we are willing to entertain it. We are here. Have their people call his people -- which is me. We can have a conversation."
McGregor has also said he expected a meeting with WME-IMG, UFC's new ownership, and feels he deserves a stake in the company that was just sold for $4 billion.
"When you see other athletes and other celebrities now owning a piece of [the UFC], why not?" Attar said. "The guy drives the most revenue.?Unless there is a logical answer for that, we're still waiting. We haven't heard one."
