Mayweather accuses Mcgregor of being a racist
Claims his rival used the term ‘monkeys’ Irish fighter jokes that he’s ‘half black’
The travelling circus of a press tour for unbeaten Floyd Mayweather’s 50th career fight with the UFC star Conor Mcgregor alighted in the UK for its final phase on the fourday sojourn yesterday, and while fans made it a carnival atmosphere at Wembley Arena, Mayweather accused the Irishman of racism on day three in New York.
While addressing the crowd in Brooklyn on Thursday, Mcgregor had said: “All of the media seem to be saying I’m against black people... Do they not know I’m half black? I’m half black from the belly button down.”
As the hype-fest ahead of the blockbuster boxing event on August 26 in Las Vegas drew to close in London, Mayweather picked his words carefully when asked if his opponent had dipped far below the belt.
“I respect every country, it’s a little different in the US, racism still exists,” said Mayweather. “Me myself, I have a diverse team. I’ve Europeans that work for me, guys from Canada, people from the Philippines, from Mexico, from all walks of life. It’s all about treating people like you want to be treated – to get respect you must give respect.
“He totally disrespected black women, he called black people monkeys, then he spoke disrespectfully to my daughter-mother and my daughter. I’m not going to stoop that low and speak about his wife, or his child. I’m glad he has a healthy child, and he has a beautiful family. There are certain levels that you don’t stoop to, and there are levels that you just don’t cross. I love everyone from all walks of life.”
With the event running two hours late, Mayweather did, however, give boxing novice Mcgregor a slim chance of testing him in the 12-round boxing contest with ringside seats at the T-mobile Arena now selling for up to $83,000 (£63,000).
Admitting he is well past his best, 40-year-old Mayweather added: “I’m a lot older and not same FM as 20 years ago, not even FM of two years ago.
“Young guys in gym are pushing me and helping me prepare for this. But it only counts under the lights. Look at the matchup and everything leans towards Conor Mcgregor. He’s taller, got a longer reach, he’s in his 20s and he’s active and I’m inactive. He’s a stand-up fighter.”
Confirming that it would be his last fight, Mayweather added: “I gave my word to Al Haymon [his manager] that this would be my last fight. I promised him.”
It was, explained the 49-0 boxer, the greatest promotion he has ever been involved with. “Three countries, four cities, four days. Its gruelling. Hotel, pack bags, onto the next. Try to eat and squeeze schedule. But it is the best ever.”
Stephen Espinoza, the executive vice-president of Showtime sport, the broadcasters who will air the event in the USA, told a packed media conference yesterday that the event “was tracking higher than Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao”, a fight event two years ago which grossed $600 million (£458 million).
Dana White, the president of the UFC, the fight league which made Mcgregor a huge star, responded to suggestions that the fighter may not return to mixed martial arts after his payday, which is estimated at upwards of $80 million (£61million). Mayweather is expected to earn nearer $200 million (£152 million).
“You never know,” said White, “But Mcgregor is a huge part of this company and we are going to make him feel very happy about coming back.”