The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
It’s time to deliver for McGregor, Mayweather
“The Ultimate Male vs. The Ultimate Meatball.”
Now that’s how a bout is hyped.
For all the Rocky Balboa fans out there — yes, count me as one, and shoot me to front of the line — the crossover bout between Thunderlips, played hilariously by pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, and Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is one of the great movie moment gems of the 1980s.
At the time of 1982’s “Rocky III,” Hogan wasn’t the Hulkster just yet and Hulkamania wasn’t yet a pop culture phenomenon. The film put Hogan on his way to super stardom as one of the most recognizable celebrities on the planet.
Stallone was already on the level by 1982 with his breakout performance in the original “Rocky” in 1976. When Stallone and Hogan butted heads in a fictional crossover bout
between the heavyweight champs in boxing and pro wrestling, the nonsensical took over the scene.
Balboa was thrown into the stands, Thunderlips did the same to cops (punching out a few along the way; where were the felony charges?). Then, Balboa returned the favor and threw Thunderlips out of the ring.
The match was declared a draw, while moviegoers wondered what the heck does this have to do with the plot of the film?
It didn’t mater. Somehow, it worked. Chalk it up to the decade of the 80s, when decadence ruled.
Stallone and Hogan looked like greek gods, but they knew how to put on a show — real or not.
Fight fans should be so lucky. It’s been 35 years since “Rocky III.” The wait for the next crossover fight is over. On Aug. 26 in Las Vegas, boxing champion
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC champ Conor McGregor go at it in the ring.
Mayweather and McGregor are loudmouths, and can trash talk with the best of them (although neither can hold a candle to former pro wrestler “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, who’s still recovering from a health scare).
With Flair, Hogan and Stallone, we all know the outcome. It doesn’t matter if it’s a film or a pro wrestling match.
Give fans a bombastic show, and they’ll be happen on most occasions.
What’s about to happen between Mayweather and McGregor is anyone’s guess from one perspective. That’s probably why most sports fans will tune in.
In “Rocky III,” everyone who’s seen the movie knew The Italian Stallion would rally to get the advantage on Thunderlips after initially taking a beating during the charity bout. We loved it anyway. Boxing analysts are predicting an easy, boring victory by Mayweather. They
say he’s so skilled and precise at the sweet science that McGregor has no shot.
Except this: McGregor might go Thunderlips on Mayweather.
His contract for the fight prohibits McGregor from kneeing, elbowing or kicking Mayweather during the fight. If any of those shenanigans occur, McGregor stands to lose money, according to UFC president Dana White.
If frustration sets in, one has to wonder if McGregor’s MMA instincts take over. It could happen.
As much as this event is being portrayed as a “boxing match,” McGregor keeping it clean throughout is a legitimate story line.
There’s a good chance the fight could break the alltime record held by Mayweather in his bout with Manny Pacquiao from 2015 that sold more than 4.4 million buys.
This one will be different. On paper, it’s unlike anything fight fans have ever seen, but that doesn’t always make great fights.
Look for McGregor to wind up for the big shot. Look for Mayweather to use his incredible defense and make himself difficult to hit.
Look for McGregor to be a frustrated fighter.
Look for a boring crossover bout.
There have been crossover bouts in the past — most notable Muhammad Ali vs. Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976. According to accounts of the event, it was one to forget. Many say it was a low point of Ali’s career.
Still, it created plenty of buzz, but nothing compares to the hype of MayweatherMcGregor.
No time to nitpick. If the bout’s action comes within a fraction of the hype that’s a bit of a victory.
Here’s the likely reality — for better entertainment, re-watch Thunderlips-Rocky.
Contact Podolski at MPodolski@NewsHerald.com; On Twitter: @mpodo.