By Mark Vester

Now that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is exploring his options for a possible return, one has to wonder if the return is worth it for the sport of boxing.

On a short term basis, a fight against Manny Pacquiao, should he beat Ricky Hatton on May 2, would be a huge event for the sport. On a long term basis, a return may do more harm than good. If Mayweather beats Pacquiao, there will be no rematch and based on his history - "Money" Mayweather is almost sure to retire for the third time.

After he won a split decision over Oscar De La Hoya in May 2007, the richest fight in boxing history, he retired and vowed never to return. When he saw a money making opportunity in Ricky Hatton, he returned to knock Hatton out. He was considering a rematch with De La Hoya for September 2008, but retired for the second time and left a potential $20 million dollar payday on the table.

Insiders say that Mayweather was unhappy with the amount of money that De La Hoya was going to make with the rematch. Based on his win over Oscar, Floyd felt that he should have received a much higher percentage in the second fight. In one interview, Mayweather voiced his displeasure over making $20 million to Oscar's possible take of $50 million or more.

If Mayweather returns, it is going to be for a fight with Pacquiao. Floyd's win over Hatton was not an exciting fight. A rematch may appeal to Hatton's fans, but it won't be appealing to American fans. To sell the fight, HBO would really have play up the father vs. son angle, since Floyd Mayweather Sr. is now the trainer of Ricky. In the end, people would pay for the family drama to substitute for the lack of drama in the ring.

If Floyd was the type of fighter to stick around, I'm all for a return. But if he returns just to beat Pacquiao and retire again - what's the point?

It's obvious the return is all about money. He made that clear when his adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, told reporters that Floyd directed him to listen to what kind of offers were out there. A basic "one and done return" - until another major payday comes around. There won't be any fights with Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto or Paul Williams - unless there is a mid-eight figure amount on the table.

If Pacquiao wins, the Mayweather return makes sense because it officially passes the pound for pound torch. In victory, Mayweather reclaims his pound for pound throne, but then retires and hands it right back to Pacquiao. Like December's fight with De La Hoya, Manny would need a win in order to balance out the mess.

Mayweather, though retired, continues to call himself the best and says the other fighters are not in his league. The fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather needs to happen in order to fully sort out  the debate over the pound for pound throne. The  fight comes with a price as Mayweather, almost sure to be the favorite to win, will retire upon pulling it off. 

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com