Floyd Mayweather hints at return in cryptic social media post
‘Coming out of retirement in 2020.’
With six words in his Instagram account, boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather set the boxing world alight with speculation as to what his return to the ring could look like.
Mayweather has officially been retired from the sport since his 2017 fight against UFC superstar Conor McGregor, with the exception of a few exhibition matches.
The now 42-year-old last fought on New Year’s Eve, when he took on Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a one round exhibition which he won easily.
The latest intrigue comes after McGregor seemed to confirm his return to the Octagon, claiming he had a bout scheduled for December.
In an interview with Reuters earlier in the week, a candid Mayweather suggested his fighting days might nearly be over, touching on two recent, high-profile deaths in the boxing ring.
“I’ve got calls to get back into the ring, but my health is my wealth,” Mayweather said.
“Boxing is a very, very brutal sport. In the last few years a lot of fighters have died inside that squared circle.
“You have got to know when to hang it up. I had a great career.”
Consistency doesn’t seem to be a feature of Mayweather’s thinking though - having also posted a picture of him and UFC president Dana White at an NBA game.
“Dana White and I are working together again to bring the world another spectacular event in 2020,” Mayweather wrote.
'Truly heartbreaking': Female kickboxer, 26, dies from injuries
Tributes have been pouring in across the martial arts world, following tragic news of the death of 26-year-old kickboxer Saeideh Aletaha.
The Iranian product design engineer collapsed after suffering a brain injury during a K-1 bout at the "Fast And Furious Fight Series" in Southampton last weekend.
She was rushed to hospital but tragically died the next day.
British police say investigations into the 26-year-old's death are ongoing.
A local gym in Southampton shared news of Aletaha's tragic passing with a heartbreaking post.
"Following the show Saturday we regret to announce that one of our team-mates unfortunately suffered an injury leaving her in a critical condition that she tragically will not recover from.
"Saeideh Aletaha was a lovely character with a beautiful soul. Her dedication to the sport was 110% travelling miles every day just to train.
"She found her place with us just a few months ago but has become a part of the family and will be sorely missed.
"This news comes as a devastating blow to us all at the gym and the whole community. Our thoughts and preys (sic) go out to her family."