By Rick Reeno

Golden Boy Promotions President, Oscar De La Hoya, says Floyd Mayweather Jr. (46-0, 26KOs) could have fought anybody on September 13th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - but the undefeated boxer made a decision to select Marcos Maidana (35-4, 31KOs).

It will be the first rematch of Mayweather's career since he fought Jose Luis Castillo on two occasions in 2002.

On May 3rd, at the same Las Vegas venue, Mayweather unified the WBC/WBA belts with a twelve round majority decision. Maidana gave Mayweather a much tougher fight than anyone had expected.

"I really do have to take my hat off to Floyd Mayweather for picking once again Maidana, for giving us the rematch. He didn't have to. It was a tough fight, it really was. Physically it was a really difficult fight, so he didn't have to give Maidana the rematch - but he did and you have to give credit and respect where it's due. This is my perfect opportunity to tell Mayweather - my hat goes off to you," De La Hoya said.

While De La Hoya praises Mayweather for his decision, Floyd's options for the September date were very limited. Amir Khan is unable to fight until October or November, Danny Garcia made a decision to remain at 140 and he put in a lackluster performance in his last outing, Miguel Cotto has no intention of fighting until December, Keith Thurman is not a big enough name for a pay-per-view, and IBF champion Shawn Porter has to face his mandatory, Kell Brook, on August 16th. The current set of circumstances made Maidana the most viable, and most lucrative, option for September.