Mayweather vs. McGregor: The Biggest Fight of Our Time?
“The Money Fight” is almost upon us.
On August 26th, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and MMA kingpin Conor McGregor will square off in a boxing match at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Never before have two individuals with such success in their respective sports agreed to square off and find out who the better fighter is. It’s a matchup that is expected to shatter records for ticket sales and PPV buys – but more importantly, it’s a fight for honor and bragging rights.
There was a time when this type of crossover matchup was nothing more than a fantasy and a what-if scenario that MMA and boxing fans could only discuss from a hypothetical perspective.
McGregor had shown interest in professional boxing for a long time, with Mayweather calling on him to make it happen in March of this year. By May, the papers were signed and the trash talking began.
Both fighters possess a very high level of skill in their respective sports. They’re also known for their colorful personalities and penchant for self-promotion. In the world of prizefights, those are great skills to have.
Mayweather is a five-division champion with a perfect record of 49-0. He’s known for his defensive fighting style and has 26 knockouts to his name. He is widely considered as one of the greatest boxers of this generation.
McGregor is the first man to hold UFC titles in two different weight classes simultaneously, and is ranked as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in all of MMA. He is known for his unorthodox style and powerful left hand.
Who has the edge? Given the fight is taking place in Mayweather’s world, he is undoubtedly the favorite. This doesn’t mean McGregor doesn’t have a chance. He’s got size, reach, and youth on his side. What’s more, he has the resources to bring in top trainers to help him adjust his striking and prepare for the blockbuster clash.
Crossover matches have happened before, but never with such marquee fighters. Mayweather is expected to earn at least $100 million, and McGregor is expected to earn $75 million. According to Ticketmaster, the cheapest tickets available for the show cost $1,900, with platinum seats costing almost $15,000.
The fight will be contested in eight-ounce gloves, a switch from the standard ten-ounce gloves which are typically used for boxing matches contracted over 147 pounds. This fight will be held at 154 pounds.
It’s Money vs. The Notorious. The showdown of a lifetime. A crowning achievement in combat sports, and perhaps a pioneer for future superfights to come. For blogs, podcasts, and coverage of MMA, check out Joe and Josh Talk!