Mayweather vs McGregor: Conor McGregor says he could put Floyd Mayweather down with the first shot he lands
Written by News on 16/07/2017
Conor McGregor believes he could put Floyd Mayweather down with the first big shot he lands and insists the former-five weight world champion won’t make it out of round four when they pair meet on August 26.
The third leg of their four-day publicity tour took place in New York on Thursday and saw the animosity ramp up between the pair ahead of the final press conference in London on Friday evening.
McGregor, who has never boxed professionally, is a massive underdog for the Las Vegas superfight but he is confident the shocking knockout power which made him a sensation in the UFC will transfer into the boxing ring.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if the first shot cracks off his temple and he goes down. He won’t see round five," McGregor said, predicting a similar outcome to when he knocked then UFC pound-for-pound No 1 Jose Aldo out in just 13 seconds.
Mayweather is the most decorated boxer of his generation and can become the first fighter to amass a 50-0 record, eclipsing legendary heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, with a victory over McGregor.
But the 40-year-old has never been a renowned knockout artist, finishing just 26 of his 49 career opponents.
McGregor insists Mayweather does not have the power to knock him out and he expects the unorthodox style he will bring into the ring will give him trouble.
McGregor continued: "Floyd saying he’s going to knock me out is the funniest comment of the whole tour. I hope he comes for it and I hope he brings it. I’ll be prepared for anything and anticipate whatever he brings.
"I’m in great shape, that’s why I’m not wearing a shirt. I’m in shape to fight right now. I don’t have a nick on my body right now. I’m going to be 100 per cent on fight night.
"I have a very high fight IQ. I understand when to go and when not to. Only me and the opponent can see these details. I’m very confident whether it’s in a ring or an octagon.
"The rounds are two minutes shorter than I’m used to and there’s a lot less action than I’m used to. He’s going to feel like he’s wrestling a bear when we tie up for the first time. He’s too small. I’m going to have my way with him.
"I know every shot he throws. I know what to expect. He fights the same every time. So we’re preparing. But he knows nothing about me. He has no idea how I’m going approach him."
While McGregor may exude confidence, few boxing experts are giving him even a remote chance of causing what would be one of the most shocking upsets in the sport’s history – but that is just fine with him.
"When they doubt me it lights a fire under me," McGregor said. "But, you know they have been doubting me since the very beginning.
"They said, ‘No Irishman is ever going to get to the UFC. We are not UFC calibre.’ And then when the title was looming it was, ‘No way is he going to win a world title.’
"I am hearing this all the time. It is nothing new to me. It is on a bigger scale now and I love it. All these people are writing me off and have actually publicly spoke to cameras.
"It is all documented so I look forward to the days after the fight, looking back and saying ‘Well, what have they got to say now?’
"This is exciting for me and it motivates me to push on."
(c) Sky News 2017: Mayweather vs McGregor: Conor McGregor says he could put Floyd Mayweather down with the first shot he lands
