The most anticipated fight in recent memory is set to take place next month between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and MMA superstar Conor McGregor.
However, fight fans might be in for a disappointment, perhaps far greater than the snoozefest that was Mayweather-Pacquiao.
Not unsurprisingly, McGregor has struggled to develop his boxing skills for the high-profile bout. Now the fledgling boxer supposedly had a massive setback.
Reports swirled that McGregor was knocked out during a sparring session.
From Forbes:
Conor McGregor’s boxing career may not be getting off to a good start. On the heels of a high-profile, but mostly unappealing international world tour to promote his August 26 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., rumors have surfaced about McGregor’s inefficiency during sparring sessions.
To put it plainly, McGregor is pacing toward a $100 million payday, but he may have to take a beating to collect his check.
Former world champions Jessie Vargas and Brandon Rios told Villainfy Media that McGregor had already been “knocked out in sparring” in preparation for the bout.
The standard weight of the glove in sparring can range from 14-16 ounces, depending on the camp. The gloves for the bout with Mayweather will likely be 10 ounces. Basic logic implies the shots Mayweather lands could be harder and thus have a more adverse effect on McGregor. That’s all theoretical and may not prove to be valid once the two men are in the ring.
According to Josh Katzowitz of Forbes, who referenced a report from the Telegraph, McGregor’s camp has denied the sparring session knockout ever happened. However, there is a common misconception circulating. Vargas nor Rios implied McGregor was dropped by the latter. Rios said he “heard” McGregor was dropped. Vargas then began to speak about boxing being a small circle and how quickly news travels in the sport. If McGregor was indeed dropped, it would not be the first time a fighter was knocked down in sparring.
In fact, it has happened to some of the best. Mike Tyson is one example.
That said, we cannot ignore these rumors or the accounts of former sparring partners like Chris Van Heerden. Everyone who has sparred with McGregor–who has spoken about their experience–has come away less than impressed with the UFC lightweight champion.
This would seemingly match the narrative laid out by most boxing experts. The lack of boxing experience will likely make this a one-sided exhibition that favors Mayweather.
Sparring sessions for both fighters have been released, and if they’re any indication of McGregor’s skills, the August 26th fight will be a massacre.
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Mayweather and McGregor training videos from today side by side. ? https://t.co/cAJDPy9Dwn
This doesn’t bode well for fans expecting an exciting match. The payday is astronomical. The promotion is better than a Hollywood movie.
But the actual fight? Probably best to save the $100 pay-per-view charge.