Floyd Mayweather Jr. said he is ready to come out of retirement to fight UFC star Conor McGregor, with a blockbuster boxing bout increasingly likely.

Sitting ringside in Las Vegas for the fight between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday, Mayweather responded to comments made by McGregor, who suggested the cross-combat showdown could happen at the end of the year or in early 2018.

Both fighters are haggling over finances, but 39-year-old Mayweather, who retired in 2015 with a flawless 49-0 record, is keen to give the fans what they want.

"They are trying to get me back in the inside," Mayweather told Sky Sports.

"I don't know if the fight it will happen between me and Conor but most likely it will happen.

"I believe I can get my number. I don't know what his number is but on my side, we have to do a job and hopefully all the fans in the UK can come over and support me.

"It's all about entertainment, so hopefully we can make it happen."

McGregor appeared at a Q&A session in Manchester, where he said his eyes were only on Mayweather.

The 28-year-old also said the potential bout was worth $1billion.