Picking their punchers: At least there’s one person that believes in McGregor

Generally, the most exciting question about a much-anticipated sporting event is the basic one: Who is going to win? But everyone seems to be on Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s side in his Aug. 26 fight with UFC star Conor McGregor.

Mayweather is a boxing legend, undefeated, with wins over greats like Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and virtually every top boxer near his weight in the last 15 years. Yes, he is 40 and hasn’t fought in almost two years, but McGregor, a 10-1 underdog in some places, isn’t a boxer. He has made his professional career in mixed martial arts, where standing up and punching has value but where wrestling, kickboxing and martial arts skills are also crucial.

Could McGregor actually step into the ring with a boxing great and come away with a victory? It’s hard to find a pundit or expert who believes that:

“No amount of salesmanship, misdirection or promotional razzledazzle can alter the obvious: McGregor’s chances under the unified rules of boxing that will govern the 26 August meeting are so infinitesimal they’re hardly worth discussing.” — The Guardian

á “It might as well be 1,000,000-1. McGregor has virtually no chance to win.” — The Ring

á “UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor is not going to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a pure boxing match. There is no chance, not even the much discussed puncher’s variety.” — Bleacher Report

á “Mayweather will win a 12-0 decision over McGregor. Neither will land a punch that hurts the other. Don’t give them your money.” — SBNation’s Kevin McCauley, on Twitter

Surely there must be somebody, somewhere who picks McGregor to win? According to the UFC president, Dana White, one prognosticator is “100 per cent confident” that McGregor will win by a knockout.

That forecaster? Conor McGregor. Victor Mather, The New York Times