The fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC's Conor McGregor is shortly approaching and Floyd wants to make sure he impresses fans in what he vows will officially be the last fight of his career. Mayweather has been known later in his boxing career for dominating his fights with his excellent defensive skills. That transition has made it difficult for his opponents to go the distance with the boxing great for an entire 12 rounds.
A few years ago, Floyd fought the most anticipated fight of his career against Manny Pacquiao. The fight took place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.
Mayweather walked away with a record $230 million for the fight. Pacquiao received a cheaper $160 million payout.
Average Mayweather–McGregor tickets are cheaper than Mayweather–Pacquiao https://t.co/oHKdnWgInp
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 8, 2017
Mayweather-Pacquiao results & disappointment to fans
It took the two fighters several years to agree to terms on the fight, which is far more time than it took for Mayweather Promotions and UFC president Dana White to set up the highly anticipated Mayweather-McGregor bout. At the time the fight began to be in demand, Manny was at the height of his career. Many fans believe Floyd was avoiding "Pac Man" at the time because he feared he would give him the first loss of his career.
If that was indeed the case, it was a strategic decision on Mayweather's end. Once the two fighters eventually met up, Pacquiao's career had begun to deteriorate, as he had taken a couple of losses just prior to the match.
Floyd went on to defeat Manny in 12 rounds but the fight was not appreciated by many viewers around the world.
Many fans expressed their disappointment in both fighters for not being as aggressive as expected for such a big payout. This time around with McGregor, "Money May" is assuring fans that they will get their money's worth.
Floyd talks to Stephen A. Smith about McGregor fight
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith sat down with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
on Tuesday to talk about his upcoming bout with Conor McGregor.
"In combat sports, there are only two names that are at the top, Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor."
"This can't be a defensive fight, I gotta go to him. I owe the public for the Pacquiao fight, since they wasn't pleased with the Pacquiao fight, they gone be pleased with this fight right here.
Smith then asked Mayweather if he thought Conor meant everything that he said about him during their four-city promotional tour.
"I just didn't like when he called us monkeys. It didn't push a button to make me, you know, jump all out of my character and go crazy, but I didn't like it. I just thought about all of our different leaders, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, that went on the front line for me and my family and all my loved ones.
Like I said before stuff still goes on, but I'm strong, smart, patient, and come Aug. 26 I'ma be the same person."
Floyd Mayweather to Stephen A. Smith: 'I didn't like' Conor McGregor's 'monkeys' remark. https://t.co/XFQGQj0cIm pic.twitter.com/FLlUrpHFdP
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 9, 2017