This latest news comes as Sky Sports, and BT Sport / BoxNation continue to be the frontrunners to land exclusive rights.
Despite recently broadcasting the London leg of the ‘MayMac World Tour, ITV Box Office are said to be completely out of the bidding.
Sky Sports have the most pulling power – financially, although BT Sport have close ties to UFC which they hope will be a factor.
BT Sport are currently aligned with BoxNation, who have already confirmed a new Pay-Per-View format will be used for Gennady Golovkin v Canelo Alvarez on September 16.
That could mean an extra bargaining chip with Mayweather’s team in negotiations but may not be good news for fans.
Sky Sports Box Office usually charge £19.95 for top of the line events likes Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao and Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko, whilst BoxNation and BT Sport may be willing to charge higher in their quest to appeal more to the headlining fighters.
It’s debatable whether UK punters would go any further north than around £24.95 but this hasn’t stopped speculation Mayweather v McGregor could retail at even more.
The likelier figure would be between the £19.95 or £24.95 (as a one off) mentioned previously as Mayweather and McGregor prepare to line their pockets considerably next month.
Mayweather v McGregor looks to have settled on a fee of $89.95 (standard viewing) and $99.95 in HD for the United States market, although McGregor did say tongue-in-cheek that he wanted it to sell for $120.
On the matter, UFC President Dana White said: “When you talk about superfights, this is a superfight – two different guys from two different sports going in and putting it on the line.
“Obviously, you can’t charge what you would normally charge for a pay-per-view… it’s the biggest fight ever in the history of pay-per-view.”
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
