Floyd Mayweather Jr has confirmed he will return to the ring – possibly for the last time – with a fight on September 12.

The unbeaten 38-year-old, who is now 48-0 and holds the WBC, and WBA world welterweight titles, last fought in May as he outclassed arch-rival Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas as part of a bout that crushed all preview box office records.

Mayweather, who was stripped of the WBO version of the 147-pound title last week, made the announcement on social media.

He posted: “To My fans, your loyalty and support has given me the best 20 years I could ask for and while at the top, I plan to go out on top….see you back in the ring September 12th!”

The fight is the last of his six-fight contract with Showtime and he has repeatedly said it will be his last as professional boxer.

This development will, however, crank up speculation over the identity of his final opponent.

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Mayweather has previously gone on record tipping Andre Berto (30- 3-0, ko23) and Karim Mayfield (19- 2-1 ko11) as those leading the race to face him next – but neither could be considered anything like a suitable foe.

Former world champion Amir Khan has been actively chasing a showdown with the American and has said on several occasions that a fight was close to being made.

Meanwhile, Kell Brook and Keith Thurman, the IBF and WBA welterweight champions respectively, have also publicly stated their desire to face Mayweather.