By Jake Donovan

Despite his planned next fight now less than two months away and leaving little time for proper promotion, Floyd Mayweather continues to be cryptic in regards to whom will occupy the opposite corner.

All that’s known for the moment is that the pound-for-pound and box-office king will return September 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Against whom and in what medium remains a mystery as speculation continues to run rampant.

The bout will be Mayweather’s first since scoring a landslide decision over Manny Pacquiao in their long-awaited showdown this past May at the MGM Grand. The event destroyed box-office records in every aspect—live gate, sponsorship revenue, Pay-Per-View sales, etc.

Clearing upwards of $230 million for the night’s work, it has been rumored that Mayweather—who is at the end of a six-fight deal with Showtime and CBS Corporation—could very well forego the PPV market for his 49th pro fight and instead fight on free-to-air CBS. The likelihood of that happening could depend on whether he’s willing to forego a considerable chunk of his guaranteed purse of more than $30 million, or if CBS is in fact willing to pony up that much dough for the sake of bringing the sport’s most lucrative brand to network TV in prime time.

As for the potential opponents, Andre Berto has managed to land as the frontrunner, surpassing gym mate Amir Khan. The former welterweight titlist has managed two straight wins, including a 6th round knockout over Josesito Lopez in their back-and-forth thriller this past March, in the first installment of Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV.

Haymon serves as adviser to Mayweather, Berto and Khan, among a stable estimated at 200 fighters. 

If Berto is the one who lands the assignment, he too is remain cautiously quiet on the subject, though training as if it’s next on his list.

"I'm happy to be in the running for this fight and am definitely up for the challenge,” insisted Berto in a statement through his press agent. “I know it will be a great fight if it happens."

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox