We all know that this is happening.
The biggest name in boxing will fight MMA's superstar in 12 rounds of boxing guaranteed to generate millions of dollars for both fighters and some entertainment for fans.
Floyd "Money" Mayweather will face Conor "Notorious" Mcgregor in a bout considered by many as Fight of the Century.
image from pixabay
But will there be a fight, really?
I don't think so.
You see, in one corner, we have a fighter who wins all his 49 boxing bouts, while in the other is a fighter who will fight his first ever professional boxing match.
Is that even fair?
Well, If you stand to receive a guaranteed $30 million and more then it's a match and not surprisingly, Mcgregor signed up. But even in prize money and other revenues, all advantages belong to the bigger name - Mayweather, who happens to be the promoter of the fight too.
So is there anyone out there who believes that Notorious can pull a win and prevent Money from overtaking Rocky Marciano's record?
Well, a lot of people are placing their bets on Conor especially those people dying to see Floyd getting KTFO.
I have no love for Floyd but I'm giving him this one for the following obvious reasons:
Rules. This match will be fought under boxing rules sanctioned by WBC and The Nevada Athletic Commission. That only means that in this fight, Mcgregor cannot use kicks or takedowns and would have to rely on his striking power and boxing skills if he has any. Meanwhile, Floyd will be fighting in his game comfortably using his shoulder roll defense and counter punching skills to deliver a win.
Skills and Experience. The rules favor Floyd so maybe Conor can get it even in terms of skills but that is not the case. Seriously, this is a fight between an expert and a novice. Mayweather, regardless of accusation of cherry picking opponents won championships in different weight classes while Mcgregor will be going on his first pro boxing bout. He has the power to knock Floyd out but it will take more than that to achieve that. He needs to land those big shots and it will take a lot of skills to penetrate Mayweather's defense. Or luck.
Power and Stamina. Conor has power but how long can he keep it up? UFC championships are fought in 5 rounds with 5 minutes each while boxing has 12 with 3 minutes each. That is 11 minute difference. If Floyd survives the expected onslaught of Conor in the early rounds,
will still there be a fight in the middle to later rounds? Or will we see an exhausted Mcgregor catching his breath and getting hit at the same time?
So my fearless forecast: Mayweather by KNOCKOUT.
If I will dismiss any thoughts on the business aspect of this event, I say that this bout is over in 4 rounds max. And that is giving Conor a lot of respect. But considering that this is a money fight and a big business endeavor with the potentials of bigger earnings in case of rematch, a close decision, or even a draw is a possibility. Mcgregor's only chance is to knockout the promoter of this fight.
I'm not totally counting out Notorious, in fact, I would love to be proven wrong. Notorious defeating the Money will be a breath of fresh air in a sports being killed slowly by greed.
Or maybe, there is a better outcome for all of us.
Are you ready to rumble gamble?
UPDATE: Mayweather stopped Mcgregor in 10th round.
