Chatter about this bout has been going on for ages but at last, it has come to fruition. The undefeated boxing legend, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, will go toe-to-toe with UFC Lightweight Champion, “Notorious” Conor McGregor. The fight, which has been widely regarded as the ultimate money fight, will take place on Aug 26 in Las Vegas, and will be sanctioned by the Nevada Athletic Commission. In typical fashion, McGregor has announced the bout contemptuously:
Mayweather has gone for the classier approach:
According to UFC President Dana White, the fight will take place at the famous T-Mobile Arena, and will be fought at 154 pounds, which will be a slight advantage to the Irish mixed martial artist because he’d have to cut less weight than his opponent. Still, opening odds on the fight show that Mayweather, 40, is the big favorite. If he manages to shut McGregor, 28, out and seal the victory, he will become the first boxer in history to achieve an incredible record of 50 – 0.
While McGregor has proved to be one of the best mixed martial artists in the world, with a record of 21 – 3 in the octagon, he has never fought in a professional boxing match, which leads us to believe he may be biting off a little more than he can chew here. Remember when he decided to take on Nate Diaz at welterweight the first time around? Didn’t go according to plan. However, credit where it’s due, McGregor asked for a rematch and was much better prepared the second time around, edging Diaz for the victory via majority decision. Late last year, he then went on to obliterate Eddie Alvarez in a one-sided fight to win the UFC Lightweight title in spectacular fashion, and become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two weight division belts at once. Now he seeks to write his name in boxing history.
Whatever the outcome of this “Superfight”, both these athletes are already winners, thanks to the extraordinary payday that’s coming their way. We can just hope that they will honor the ring and the fans, and put up a show that befits the hype it has received.
Watch this space for more updates about the upcoming fight.
Cover image by boxingscene.com