Conor’s £billion bruises
It’s £2.5m per minute for bout & film’s next
CONOR McGregor will earn £1billion despite losing the Fight of the Century.
The UFC star bagged £78million for 30 minutes work as he was stopped in the 10th round by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.
That works out at £2.5m a minute for the battler. But the Irishman is now expected to earn millions more with a book and movie charting his Rocky-style rise to the top.
And he will bag a fortune by launching his own fashion, music, sports and Irish whiskey ranges.
Despite losing the £460m dream clash, brand experts say McGregor will be the real winner.
PR expert Marcel Knobil said: “He has a Rocky-esque flavour to his personality, he was the underdog and he fought gallantly.
“I would be really surprised if you didn’t see a book and a film.
“He possesses all the traits to be a billionaire star.”
The Superbrands founder believes the fighter’s poor upbringing in Crumlin, Dublin, makes him a real-life Rocky.
He said: “He’s first captured the imagination of a nation, and now captured the world.
“There’s a romance to it, he’s playing out the script of a film in real life.”
The mixed martial arts fighter was all smiles after the epic fight, gleefully announcing his new brand of “Notorious Irish Whiskey”.
Conor, whose defeat means Floyd Mayweather retires with a perfect 50-0 record, showed the bottle to the crowd while sipping from a glass.
He said: “I am going to take over the Irish whiskey market – and this is delicious.”
Conor already has sponsorship agreements in place with Beats by Dre and Monster Energy, and recently announced a luxury clothing line called August McGregor.
The line will be produced with David August Heil, the man who tailored for President Bill Clinton as well as George W Bush, and will see suits go on sale for almost £1,000.
Brand expert Marcel thinks many more products will follow, saying “We have seen it before with Beckham”.
He said: “He should get an Oscar for promoting his image. His suave presentation is key. His products will be popular due to the traits associated with his character, strength, power and so forth.”
The first ever UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes, Conor has refused to rule out returning to the boxing ring.
He could see another big payday with former training partner Paulie Malignaggi, and Amir Khan has
also expressed an interest in a contest. But Conor said of this cash haul: “I don’t know how I will spend it.
“I have so many ventures that are bringing in a nice revenue for me and I am building brands.”
The UFC star is relaxing by jetting off to Spain with his family for a pal’s wedding.
He said: “I’m going to hit Ibiza for a childhood friend’s wedding and going to hire a 100-foot yacht.
“Those are my plans and then we’ll see what’s next.”
Despite Mayweather saying the win was his last fight, Paddy Power are already offering odds on a rematch.
The bout is believed to have broken the payper-view record held by Mayweather’s previous epic fight against Manny Pacquiao, which attracted 4.6m buys.
A galaxy of stars were ringside to watch the fight including Mike Tyson.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis and Jennifer Lopez also turned out to watch the action.
Thor actor Chris Hemsworth, actress Charlize Theron as well as Ozzy, Sharon and Jack Osbourne were also in attendance.
Singer JLo and 300 star Gerard Butler made the trip, as well as last year’s Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear.