MCGREGOR OPEN TO MORE BOXING DESPITE DEFEAT
▶ Mayweather Jr confirms 10th-round stoppage of Irishman was his ‘last fight’
Conor McGregor placed himself on a potential collision course with his mixed martial arts paymasters after refusing to rule out further boxing bouts following his defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr on Saturday.
The Irishman, a two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) world champion, performed credibly before eventually being stopped by Mayweather in the 10th round at the T-Mobile Arena.
McGregor, 29, could pocket as much as US$100 million (Dh367.3m) from Saturday’s fight, eclipsing his entire career MMA earnings in a single night’s work.
While McGregor ended up being comfortably beaten by Mayweather, the MMA star, who had never boxed in a professional bout before Saturday, said he was open to continuing in the ring.
“I enjoyed the fight, It was a great contest,” McGregor said. “People ask me what’s next, I’m not quite sure. I’ve multiple titles in the UFC to think about.
“I could also continue in the boxing game ... I have many options in mixed martial arts. I’m sure there’ll be options in boxing. Right now I’m a free agent.”
But any plans McGregor has about continuing his flirtation with boxing are likely to be opposed by UFC chief executive Dana White.
White, who was instrumental in helping set up the Mayweather fight, said he would prefer to see McGregor return to the world of cage-fighting and stay there.
“I would rather he did not,” White said when asked if he wanted McGregor to continue boxing. “This is not what he does. He’s a mixed martial artist. He goes in and he fights and he uses all of his weapons. Tonight he goes in and is only able to use his hands. I don’t think he has anything else left to prove. I would rather he fights mixed martial arts.
“It was just a real special event and a rare event. I’m not looking to do this again.”
Meanwhile, Mayweather said he would head into a permanent retirement after sealing his place in boxing history with a 50th straight win.
The win sees Mayweather, who had come out of a two-year retirement to face McGregor, surpass heavyweight Rocky Marciano with a perfect record of 50-0.
Afterward former welterweight king Mayweather insisted he would never be seen in a ring again. “This was my last fight tonight. For sure,” Mayweather said, praising his beaten opponent.
“Tonight was my last fight. Tonight I chose the right dance partner to dance with. Conor, you are a hell of a champion.
“After 21 years in the sport of boxing, I had some great fights, I had some boring fights, but I will always be remembered as a winner.”
However, he hinted that a gargantuan payday could yet make him think twice. Mayweather is expected to earn around $200m for Saturday’s performance.
“We do foolish things sometimes but I’m not a damn fool,” Mayweather said when asked what had tempted him to face McGregor.
“So if I see an opportunity to make $300-350m in 36 minutes – why not?”