Confirmed: Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Conor McGregor on August 26 in Las Vegas

What began as an impossible fight between a boxing legend and the biggest star in mixed martial arts is now a reality.

Former five-pound five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. made the official social networking announcement Wednesday, confirming that he will leave a 23-month retirement at age 40 to face UFC superstar Conor McGregor in A boxing fight on August 26 in Las Vegas.

UFC president Dana White, who appeared on Sports Center, said the fight would be boxing junior junior weight limit of 154 pounds, fighters would wear 10-ounce gloves and the card would take place at the T-Mobile Arena.

The fight will be broadcast on Showtime PPV. Click Here Free

"We've been in negotiations for a while," White told Sports Center. Floyd is surrounded by smart people, and we've got this done.

Moments before Mayweather's announcement, McGregor sent out a simple four word statement on Twitter, with a photo of Floyd Mayweather Sr. instead of Mayweather Jr.

White followed the announcement with an emoji.

The announcement ends an unbridled speculation that began two years ago when McGregor threw the prospect of the fantasy fight during a July 2015 appearance on Conan O'Brien's talk show, telling the host: "I would fit it if it came out the opportunity. "

Irishman McGregor (21-3), a 28-year-old southpaw, is the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two different divisions and one of the best MMA fighters in the world, but will make his pro boxing debut against Mayweather , One of the best fighters in history.

Although no major titles are at stake and Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs) is an astronomical favorite, the fight offers both fighters an opportunity to make huge money.

Mayweather is a -1,100 favorite at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, with McGregor paying +700.

McGregor has been frank about his desire for a fight that will outweigh his biggest UFC payday, while Mayweather, who won about $ 250 million for his record-breaking win against Manny Pacquiao in May of 2015, is winning a second Nine-digit gain.

Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs) also has the opportunity to finish his career in a perfect 50-0 in a bout that few expect to be competitive, but has sparked public interest in boxing vs. MMA, Not to mention the big Personalities and the ability to talk trash of both fighters.

Mayweather has not fought since September 2015 when he easily beat Andre Berto to maintain his world welterweight title and then retire. But he has been vocal about his desire to get out of retirement for just one fight - the big one against McGregor.

The fight looked very unlikely because Mayweather was retired and McGregor (21-3) had never fought in boxing. Mayweather and McGregor eventually came and went with each other in the media and on social networks talking about a possible fight, but making a deal was another story.

Confirmed: Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Conor McGregor on August 26 in Las Vegas