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Floyd to take up MMA

22/12/2007

Floyd Mayweather's manager Leonard Ellerbe has admitted the boxing star could make a move to mixed martial arts (MMA).

The six-time world champion, who destroyed Ricky Hatton earlier this month, met with Mark Cuban, the owner of HDNet Fights – a MMA company, on Thursday and Cuban said Mayweather would take a fight if there was a "a guaranteed $30 million [£15.1 million] payday".

"It's definitely something he is interested in, and when Floyd makes his move, obviously it's going to be a mega event," Ellerbe said.

"We don't have a timetable. Floyd is taking some time off, but Floyd understands what is involved. You have to take time to go out and understand what you're getting involved in, and he's ready to do that. But it's something he's definitely interested in doing."

Cuban and Mayweather struck up a friendship when both competed on the US show Dancing with the Stars, and Ellerbe said the pair were very interested in working together.

"Mark is a very successful business man and has some very, very successful business ventures that we've discussed. We're looking to do a lot of business with Mark," said Ellerbe.

"Doing an MMA event with him is most definitely something we are looking at, this ain't some kind of prank. That is one of many things we've talked about with Mark."

Mayweather has been involved in the two biggest boxing matches of the year. His fights against Oscar De La Hoya and Hatton reportedly earned him $50 million (£25.2 million).