Here's the thing about this Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor 'superfight' (aside from the fact that it is total and utter bollocks):
It suits both parties for Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor to call each other out in the media. It used to suit Conor McGregor more, as he rather intuitively used Mayweather's name to build his own profile Stateside. It was clever. It worked. It also paid dividends for Ronda Rousey.
Right now, with McGregor one of the most news-relevant athletes in all of sport, it suits a semi-relevant, semi-retired Floyd Mayweather, who will return in September or November to fight WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia in his 50th fight. Plus, even while he's in the headlines to the point that it drives a lot of people half-mental, McGregor's never been averse to a bit of publicity, has he?
People are free to say things, and in combat sport, people tend to say a lot of things. But if you think there's even an infinitesimally minute chance 'The Notorious' climbs into the ring for a boxing match with 'Money' in this lifetime, you're either in orbit or you're talking absolute hoop.
Which leads us to Floyd Mayweather's interview on Showtime last night, where he strongly reiterated his belief that 'The Notorious' will climb into the ring for a boxing match with him:
It's really not a rumor. The fight may happen. We really don't know, as of right now. As of right now. But do I think the fight will happen? Absolutely. We're the A-side, of course. It has to be a boxing match, because most fights that Conor McGregor won inside the Octagon, he was a stand-up guy. So I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a tough fight for me. We really don't know as of right now, but there's been a lot of talk, and hopefully we can make the fight happen.
Speaking with Showtime's renowned boxing analyst Steve Farhood, the 49-0 former pound-for-pound number one claimed McGregor would be a difficult opponent, but stopped short of suggesting that negotiations have taken place for a fight that is literally never going to happen, ever:
He's no pushover. One thing about Conor McGregor, he's no pushover. He fell short in his last bout, but a true champion can always bounce back, so that's a guy I can't overlook.
We haven't picked a venue, we haven't talked about money yet. I'm gonna get $100 million, of course. Every time I go out, that's my number. Every time I go out and get inside that squared circle, it's $100 million or better.
Mayweather has already all-but confirmed he'll return to the ring to break Rocky Marciano's much-coveted undefeated record, but when asked about a 'comeback' in a more general, serious sense, he again brought McGregor back into the conversation:
50-50. 50-50. I'm pretty sure -- we have to find a venue! We haven't spoken on certain terms. I'm my boss on my end. I don't know what Conor McGregor can do, but I'm pretty sure we can make it happen. If the fans demand the fight, we can make it happen.
A reminder that it took just the six years for him to negotiate a mega-bout with a man from the same sport as him. But, you know, sure, Floyd. If you say so. Despite the fact that no genuine fan of either sport is demanding it take place whatsoever.
Many of you will question as to why we'd even entertain this as a story, but before you break out the 'Slow news day lads?' or other such original, whimsical comments - just know that there are a lot of people who care about this, for some inexplicable reason.
Yes, they might be people who watch an Anthony Joshua knockout compilation on The Sport Bible and think he's better than Mike Tyson, but they are people nonetheless, and in many ways they need to be protected.
Plus, at least if this fight does happen you can send this link to me on Twitter and call me a moron, which will be good fun for all involved.
