Floyd Mayweather has joined forces with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport as co-promoters for events in the UK, which may even lead to the retired American boxer applying for a promoter’s licence with the British Boxing Board of Control.

Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, told Telegraph Sport: “Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions have formed a partnership with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport to hold a series of fights in the UK matching our guys against his guys – and other fights – and we have had some great discussions. We are looking to implement this as soon as possible. The timing is right.”

Matchroom Sport has a deal with Sky for boxing until 2021 and Hearn, the managing director, confirmed to The Telegraph that talks had been ongoing and that it was “absolutely a good move” for both companies. Mayweather retired in September 2015, undefeated in 49 fights and having grossed $800 million (£551 million).