Mayweather Jr. Back on the Ring Come July 11th

Saturday, March 21, 2009 -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. is apparently geting back in the ring, next in line to fight the winner of the Hatton-Pacquiao match set to happen on May this year. Mayweather, 32, fought his last match against Ricky Hatton in December 2007, beating the latter by a 10th round stoppage. Shortly afterwards, Mayweather announced his retirement, saying that he wanted to focus on business.

Aside from Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton as possible opponents, Mayweather is also looking at Shane Mosley and Juan Marquez as potential contenders in the ring. Marquez had earlier called Mayweather out after his fight with Juan Diaz, in which he emerged victorious.

Nothing is concrete about the plans for a July match, however. The July 11 date is already slated for a fight between Tomasz Adamek and Bernard Hopkins. Many are hoping that Mayweather will eventually face Manny Pacquiao this time around, since a few are interested in seeing another Hatton-Mayweather rematch especially since Mayweather dominated his last fight with Hatton.

Mayweather had earlier faced some flack over his choice of opponents, opting to fight against Hatton and Oscar de La Hoya and avoiding fights with Paul Williams, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto , top welterweights in the division who were eager to fight him. He instead chose to fight de la Hoya, who was older, and Hatton, who was smaller. Fans had hoped that he will turn his sights on the top welterweights after his victories against de la Hoya and Hatton, but he chooses to retire. Problems with the IRS are said to be Mayweather’s prime motivation for getting back on the ring.