Carnival hits town as Mayweather, McGregor ready to fight

LAS VEGAS — The carnival finally hit town Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time), with Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. putting on a bit of a fashion show before promising to knock each other out in their highly anticipated boxing match.

Mayweather wore a fedora and gold rimmed glasses while McGregor sported a three-piece suit and tie and aviator sunglasses as they made separate appearances before a crowd of several hundred people in front of the arena where they will fight Saturday night (Sunday Phl time).

The two got into an unplanned verbal confrontation as they moved between the outdoor stage and the arena, though it was brief. Bodyguards kept them apart and both fighters are smart enough not to do anything to jeopardize their immense paydays from what could be the richest fight ever.

“It’s work,” Mayweather said when asked if he was having fun. “My job is to be a fighter.”

McGregor, meanwhile, reiterated his vow to knock Mayweather out within two rounds, and claimed the boxer was getting desperate in making comments about his weight and stamina.

“Let him keep praying about weight and fatigue.All he’s doing is praying,” McGregor said. “But he’s praying to the new god of boxing.”

The crowd for one of the final promotional events was small and not terribly vocal, especially after waiting an hour or two in 100degree heat to see the fighters. There was no one in line at T-Mobile Arena’s three ticket windows, where plenty of expensive tickets remain for the bout.

The big money for the two fighters will come from pay-perview sales, and early indications are that it could break all records. Some 50 million people may watch in the United States alone, with millions more tuning in worldwide.

Estimates vary wildly, but Mayweather could pocket $200 million, while McGregor might make $100 million.