Floyd Mayweather hints at boxing comeback, says he will return only for a 'nine-figure payday'

Former American boxer Floyd Mayweather has hinted at a potential comeback after retiring from the ring in September 2015. Widely considered as the greatest boxer of his era, he insisted that only a "nine-figure" payday would lure him out of retirement.

The 39-year-old had bid adieu to boxing with a professional record of 49-0 after hammering Andre Berto eight months ago. That win ensured that he equalled former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano's record of 49 straight wins.

While Mayweather had said that he is happy with life outside boxing, he did acknowledge that he has been in discussions with CBS and Showtime about a possible fight.

"Everyone is asking me, 'Is Floyd Mayweather coming back?' Right now, I'm happy being on this side, but I have been talking to CBS and Showtime, and you just never know. But right now, I'm just happy on this side," he said as quoted by USA today.

The former professional boxer made these comments in Washington, where he was present when one of the fighters from Mayweather Promotions, super-middleweight titleholder Badou Jack, was in action.

"As of right now, some crazy numbers have been thrown my way-upwards of course, of nine figures. But I am truly blessed beyond belief, and I really don't know what we are going to do. But right now, I'm really happy being on this side helping our fighters."

The former five-division champion admitted that he would only make a comeback for a "nine-figure payday" and "probably a championship fight". In fact, his fight with Manny Pacquiao helped him earn a reported $350m (£240m).

The American, who remains undefeated in 49 professional fights, wants to reach 50-0, a record that would top Marciano's mark. Who he fights to reach the mark will be very interesting to watch.