The fight that everyone has been eager to see is finally happening. Floyd Mayweather will take on Conor McGregor in a boxing match on August 26 in what could end up being the biggest event in Pay-Per-View history.
Mayweather is a perfect 49-0 in his boxing career and will come out of retirement for this fight, which isn’t a surprise. Many experts have predicted that Mayweather would return in order to chase that 50th win, but there have been questions as to who he would pick as his opponent. Mayweather has not only remained undefeated throughout his career, he has dominated his sport and hasn’t been challenged in years.
As for McGregor, he’s the top draw in the UFC, but there has been recent friction between him and the Mixed Martial Arts organization in terms of paydays. He’s also destroyed everything in his path – becoming the UFC’s first-ever belt holder in two separate weight classes – and there have been questions as to what is the next best challenge for him.
How McGregor Can Win
McGregor’s best strength is his punching power. He has a history of rocking opponents with just one punch and that’s all it might take against Mayweather as well. Keep in mind that McGregor is a bigger fighter than most of the opponents that Mayweather has faced. For example, Manny Pacquiao is about 140 pounds while McGregor is 150.
McGregor needs to get the fight in close quarters and do his best to connect. One or two good shots could end Mayweather’s night.
How Mayweather Can Win
Do what he does best: dip, dodge and duck, and attack with precision. What makes Mayweather great is that nobody has been able to find him. A couple of aggressive boxers like Jose Luis Castillo and Marcos Maidana have given him some problems, but he’s rarely been challenged outside of that. And he’s fought the best of the best. He made Canelo Alvarez look silly, he also schooled Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. That’s not a group of slouches. Many of those boxers were at the top of their sport when they fought Floyd. If they couldn’t land any significant punches, how will McGregor?
The Boxing Ring
The fact that this is a boxing bout is a huge advantage for Mayweather. He’s been boxing his entire life and is one of the best at it. McGregor is in the process of learning the sport, and he won’t be able to kick or takedown Mayweather. If he does knock Mayweather down, he won’t be able to pounce and finish him like he would in the UFC.
McGregor has been an underdog most of his life, discounted and overlooked many times early in his career. This could be another one of those times, but we’ll have to wait until August 26 to find out. Mayweather is listed as a -550 favourite while McGregor comes in at +375.
*Odds as of June 19, 2017
