Mayweather: I Was Retired, Fans Wanted McGregor - I'm Back!

Five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. appeared at the the “All Eyez On Me” premiere in Los Angeles, and he discussed his recently finalized showdown against mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor.

The fight was officially announced on Wednesday, taking place over twelve rounds at 154-pounds on August 26 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The boxing format heavily favours the undefeated Mayweather who many consider to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. McGregor, 28, will be entering unknown territory as he has not stepped into a boxing ring since he was a teenager.

McGregor, who is currently the UFC's lightweight champion and the biggest star in MMA, has been tabbed as a massive underdog against Mayweather - even though the boxer is 40-years-old and actively retired since September 2015.

 “McGregor is a tough competitor. People all around the world demanded this fight so I had to give them what they wanted to see,” Mayweather told BSOTV. “They asked for this fight. I was in retirement, but they wanted me back and I’m back.”

Mayweather is not surprised that countless McGregor fans, and fans of MMA, are picking the Irish superstar to win the contest.

“You’re supposed to stand behind your man. Stand behind the fighter that you believe. “He’s a hell of a competitor," Mayweather said.

The fight will be carried by Showtime Pay-Per-View. Both fighters are expected to make over $100 million, but Mayweather would not reveal the financial terms.

“Both parties are very happy,” Mayweather said. “He’s very happy, I’m very happy and I can’t wait.”

Mayweather's promotional company is handling the underdog, with fighters like former champion Badou Jack, J'Leon Love and IBF super featherweight champion Gervonta Davis all slated to potentially appear on the card. Jack would potentially challenge WBA "regular" light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly as part of the card.