MCGREGOR.. CALMED AND DANGEROUS

UFC superstar turns boxing student in victory bid

Not for long but time enough for some cynics in Vegas to be almost convinced that Conor Mcgregor might yet be a serious opponent for Floyd Mayweather.

Tucked away in a sideroom, talking to a smaller gathering ahead of his final promotional duties, Mcgregor went through the usual repertoire of brash promises.

Over in two, the new god of boxing, etc etc.

But he also gave an insight into the detailed preparation of the last three months, effectively admitting it has been a steep learning curve.

“I was watching some sparring videos today and the person who started and the person now are like two different people,” said Mcgregor. “The

Conor Mcgregor now would whup the Conor Mcgregor at the start of camp. There were certain movements that were not necessary. Movements I might have made in Mixed Martial Arts.

“When I watched the final spar, all the unnecessary was gone. It was a cleaner product.”

When asked how, in his first professional boxing contest, he can hope to do what no-one has managed previously and find a way to defeat the elusive Mayweather (left), Mcgregor’s response was predictably colourful.

“I don’t give a **** about his defence, the same way I don’t give a **** about his offence, the same way I don’t give a **** about his record, the same way I don’t give a **** about his accomplishments,” he said.

“A fight is a fight and I believe I will knock him out early, one or two rounds.”

Yet in the next breath, he talked about how he has studied the way Mayweather’s opponents have tackled each phase of a fight.

“I know exactly how I am going to crack his code,” said Mcgregor, who has an 11-year advantage over 40-year-old Mayweather.

“I know exactly how I am going to break him down. I will be a lot heavier than him and he will feel every single pound.”

The build-up to what could yet be a billion-dollar fight is now in full swing here and, while Mayweather is clearly the overwhelming favourite, Mcgregor is cutting a confident figure.

“We have put in the work,” he insisted. “There have been no corners cut whatsoever. I have done many 12-rounders.

“I feel like I have built up a solid engine which is going to stand me in good stead.”