BOXING NEWS - On Sunday 27 August from 03.00 am South African time, we’ll find out!
The official odds are overwhelmingly in Mayweather’s favour, and the great Lennox Lewis has said that he can’t take the fight seriously – but when fists fly, predictions have often meant nothing at all. That being said, here are 5 reasons why pundits believe the boxer, even at 40 years of age, should beat the reigning UFC champion.
It’s a boxing match, which neutralises McGregor’s kicks, throws and grappling
If Mayweather were to enter the Octagon under MMA rules, McGregor would probably take him to ground within a few seconds, and either achieve a TKO by using hammerfists or obtain a submission through a chokehold. But in the boxing ring, McGregor’s fight-arsenal is severely constrained.
It’s a boxing match, which means Mayweather will be untouchable
Given that McGregor will be left with only an assortment of punches (including his lethal left cross), Mayweather is likely to default to his defensive “shoulder roll” stance (where his front hand drops to his mid-section and his left shoulder is pulled up to his chin), and simply let his opponent tire himself out. Then the sustained attacks will come, putting McGregor on the back foot.
It’s a boxing match, so the pace of the fight is completely different
UFC rounds last a long and tiring 5 minutes, but normal bouts are limited to 3 rounds. By contrast, boxing allows for 12 rounds at 3 minutes each. The point is obvious: McGregor’s explosive MMA pace could lead to him tiring out within the first few rounds.
