McGregor backers: Mayweather fight is no sideshow

The long-anticipated “super fight” between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC superstar Conor McGregor has finally been set for August 26 in Las Vegas.

To note, although McGregor is one of the best MMA fighters in the world, the fight against Mayweather will be his debut in professional boxing.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor posted on their social media Wednesday that “It’s Official!” and “The Fight Is On”, hours after an August 26 fight date at the MGM Grand was approved by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

What I am bemoaning is that the spotlight that is on this farce should be on a couple of other fights that are real.

Mayweather announced the fight on his Instagram account with graphic saying “IT’S OFFICIAL!”, showing pictures of both fighters and listing Las Vegas as the location. “I’m no Mayweather and – out of camp, out of shape – I landed (punches) on Conor McGregor at will”. “I’m not here to promote their fight but I think that the attention that all us fighters are getting – you know, we’re asked about it every time we do an interview from mainstream media – I don’t think that’s a bad thing”. I guess it’s about bragging rights.

I’ve never been a big boxing fan, but I am intrigued. “In short, it’s all about the money”, he said. “You might think more moves ahead, but there’s a lot less to consider. Boxing is a breeze for us after MMA”.

With regards to his chances against Mayweather, who has aptly been described as one of the greatest defensive boxers ever, Sutcliffe says that his former pupil has a fighting chance against the undefeated American but that he just can’t see the Dubliner catching him.

“If he can land a lucky punch and knock him out, but if not, he will lose because it’s a 12-round fight”. Malignaggi praised McGregor’s hand skills and striking ability and said the fighter’s balance could be solid. Mayweather is a boxer, with his own style and technique.

Even White, who was initially skeptical about putting his star in a boxing match, seems ready now to push the idea that he could actually win. “Like what happened to Roman (Gonzalez) who got beaten by a former garbage man (Srisaket Sor Rungvisai) in Thailand”, he said. He was a good athlete and a good trainer.

Espinoza said the fight came together quickly after McGregor and the UFC reached agreement last month on their end of the deal and Mayweather’s team pushed for the fight in recent days. McGregor probably has less boxing experience than Mayweather’s greenest sparring partner.