Mayweather claims he will make $40 million for Mosley bout

After nearly a decade of speculation, the two most dominant welterweights of this era will collide in what should be one of the biggest sports betting events of the year. Finally, Floyd Mayweather will take on Shane Mosley for the WBA welterweight championship.

As can be the case in the sport of boxing, the champion is not the favorite on boxing odds this time around. For Mosley, a significant underdog on the night, this is a chance to prove that he is an all-time great. For Mayweather, the opportunity is the very same, and a chance to silence critics who have questioned his selection of opponents over the years.

However the interesting storylines seem to be outside of the squared circle for this bout. Unfortunately for Mosley, he is already being overlooked, and his plight and chances in the event are entirely overlooked, both by those betting on boxing, and the casual fan.

In a recent interview with ESPN's Brian Kenny, Mayweather revealed that he will make an estimated $40 million off the upcoming bout. The number is so high, of course, because Floyd is the head of Mayweather Promotions, which is staging the event along with Golden Boy. Mayweather then does not relinquish any of his purse, as he is essentially his own management team.

Mayweather went on to say that he could have made $70 million fighting Manny Pacquiao in March, in a bout that ultimately fell through. But while the paper and pen may be off the table, the contract of public demand and opinion is very present. Fans and sports bettors want to see Mayweather and Pacquiao in the same ring, which is unfortunately overshadowing Mayweather vs. Mosley odds, as well as Pacquiao's upcoming clash with Joshua Clottey.

Overlooking Mosley may be dangerous however, as many boxing betting experts perceive him to be a greater threat to Mayweather than Pacquiao. Stylistically, Mosley is more patient than Pacquiao, and has the tools to frustrate Floyd. He is also a bigger, stronger man than Pacquiao—a tool many of Mayweather's opponents simply haven't had in their arsenal.

Ultimately, those betting on Mayweather vs. Mosley will have two dream matchups in mind—the one in the ring, and the one looming overhead in the future.