MAYWEATHER MASTERCLASS
‘Money man’ gives UFC star McGregor a lesson despite rocky start
MASTER salesman. Maestro of the noble arts. Merciless executioner.
Floyd Mayweather, the Money man and now the history man.
The fight, which Mayweather insisted would be his last, sends the 40-year-old into his second retirement with a unblemished 50-0 record to surpass heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 mark for most wins without a loss or draw.
“This was my last fight tonight. For sure,” Mayweather declared in the ring.
“Conor you are a hell of a champion. A win is a win, no matter how you get it.”
He has gone with the bang he wanted. His first knock out for six years through which he boxed more with consummate ease than a killer instinct.
McGregor? He started strong as he promised and then hung in there as he was outclassed, took his punishment like a cage man — and as he should — long enough so that the public who paid plenty did not feel short-changed.
The inundation of the pay-perview cables which delayed the start suggest that he will bank more than US$300million (RM1.3 billion) for boxing his final 10 rounds, one minute and five seconds.
And while McGregor gets a lifechanging US$100m for first dreaming up this fantasy, it is Mayweather who keeps the fighting emperor’s clothes.
Mayweather ’s parting gift to the sport which has enriched him beyond Croesus has been to save boxing from being knocked off its upward trajectory.
So he should have done. In the analysis, the fighting Irishman in the opposite corner and from a parallel warrior universe was never going to live with the skills of the finest pugilist of his age.
Not in his first professional boxing match.
What the ticket buyers had to admire for the thousands of dollars reach was McGregor making a fist of it and, above all, a farewell demonstration of the technical brilliance and supreme ring intelligence of Mayweather.
Having spent the second half of his career on the defence and counter, he came forward to crowd McGregor, cramp the bigger man’s punches and bamboozle, then belabour him at close quarters.
After lengthy instructions as to what is allowed in boxing, they did touch gloves. McGregor came charging and dancing as expected. Mayweather backed away to absorb the assault and when he did try a jab to the stomach it fell so short that The Notorious mocked him, going far as to put his hands behind his back. Two good lefts ensured a startlingly good beginning for McGregor.
He even switched effectively from southpaw to orthodox for an effective combination which gave him the second round.
The old maestro went to work to head and body, not only getting himself on the scorecard at last but backing up McGregor.
The pressure began to tell and McGregor stumbled back from a smatter of shots.
Mayweather began to take charge. A succession of rights to the head sent McGregor staggering and gasping and there were roars of ‘Money, Money’ to drown out the Irish chants.
It was now one way traffic. McGregor was being outclassed and bewildered as a novice should be. He also looked to be tiring as more precise Mayweather punches landed.
McGregor got desperate and was warned sternly by referee Robert Byrd for hitting behind the head. He was reeling before more big right and lefts, grabbed Mayweather to survive a torrid round.
And then it was over. Mayweather unleashed a barrage that left McGregor helpless on the ropes and the referee had no option but to intervene. Agencies