Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been a man of mystery these days as he's yet to formally announce a venue or opponent for his next fight, which is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 13. But there are indications boxing's pound-for-pound best fighter is considering holding his next bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Each of Mayweather's nine most recent fights took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. But the fighter's company, Mayweather Promotions, recently received a license to promote events in New York. This has led to speculation that Mayweather is interested in expanding his base for live fights.
"I think by going for a license he sees the values of hopefully one day fighting in New York," Barclays CEO Brett Yormark said.
"And I think when he makes that decision at some point I feel very confident that Brooklyn will be that destination at the Barclays Center. They haven't made any decision on Sept. 13 and hopefully we'll receive great consideration."
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Besides settling on a venue for his next bout, Mayweather has yet to finalize an opponent. Marcos Maidana appears to be a serious possibility. The two fought on May 3, with Mayweather winning by majority decision.
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New York-based promoter Lou DiBella, however, threw a little cold water on the idea of Mayweather fighting in Brooklyn during a recent interview with The New York Daily News, citing the city's stiff tax laws.
"It's hard for me to believe that he's going to fight here," DiBella said. "Floyd can afford to do whatever he wants, but given the tax implications in New York compared to Nevada, I'd think he's doing it to promote his own fighters or to just keep his options open. Now, if he doesn't care about the money and he just wants to fight here that's something different."
Besides the venue matter, a September rematch with Maidana is just speculation. Mayweather named him specifically at a recent red carpet event, but nothing is official.
"Sept. 13, back to business, Marcos Maidana-Floyd Mayweather, part II. And then in May, I'm fighting in May and I'll have a big surprise for ya'll," Mayweather said at the BET Awards.
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