By Mark Vester

Leonard Ellerbe appears to be making the rounds with news of a possible return by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009. Ellerbe, close friend and adviser to Mayweather, first broke the news to boxing scribe David Mayo - revealing that Floyd is now willing evaluate any and all "big fight offers" that were presented to his team, and then make a decision on a possible return. 

Ellerbe has since spoken with Dan Rafael, and provided more details on Floyd's comeback. Mayweather wants to go straight into a megafight. There will be no tune-up. Mayweather has been inactive since a last December's knockout of Ricky Hatton.

"Hell no [to a tuneup]. If Floyd considers something, it would be the biggest thing," Ellerbe said.

The biggest fight for Floyd in terms of money would be against the winner of Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton, who are close to deal for a May 2 showdown in Las Vegas.

Ellerbe told Rafael that Mayweather did watch Hatton's win over Paulie Malignaggi in November and watched Pacquiao's knockout of Oscar De La Hoya on December. He was impressed with both wins and praised both fighters. According to Ellerbe, Floyd thought his father [trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr] had improved the skills of Hatton. But, when it came to the subject of fighting Pacquiao, now considered the best pound for pound fighter in the sport, there was a mix of praise and trash talking. Floyd thought the De La Hoya win was tremendous, but also told Ellerbe that he would "beat Pacquiao's ass."

"He did see Hatton's fight and said it was the best Ricky had looked in a long time with his dad [Floyd Mayweather Sr.] training him. He said Ricky looked sharp with his father in the corner. [Floyd said Pacquiao] an excellent fighter and it was a tremendous win," Ellerbe said. "But, Floyd said, 'He's a good fighter, but I'll beat his ass.' "

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