By Edward Chaykovsky

Former HBO analyst Larry Merchant is expecting Floyd Mayweather Jr. (49-0, 26KOs) to come out of retirement for a 50th fight - if the right financial opportunity comes along.

Mayweather made $300 million for his May 2nd victory over Manny Pacquiao. He came back in September to make a fraction of that number with a lopsided win over Andre Berto. The fight with Berto was more about satisfying the remaining obligation of his exclusive multi-fight deal with Showtime.

After beating Berto, Floyd announced his retirement from the sport. Most expect him to return next year. Merchant is among that group of people who believe the right opportunity will bring Mayweather back. The opponent who would stand on the opposite end of the ring is still a mystery.

One fighter who Merchant is very high on is current WBO junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford (26-0, 18KOs), who a lot of experts view as a future superstar. Merchant admits that Crawford lacks the star power and the financial benefits that a Pacquiao rematch or even a fighter like Amir Khan can bring.

"I think the general feeling is that he'll try to come out and win his 50th if somebody emerges who can generate a third as much as the last fight," said Merchant to New Hub.

"Maybe it's Pacquiao if he can go out and beat somebody really good or maybes its somebody who goes out and beats Pacquiao really good. Personally I'd love to see Crawford fight him but Crawford is not as well known as say Amir Khan or Pacquiao. But if somebody emerges I guess the conventional wisdom is - yes Mayweather will give it a go for a 9 figure pay day."