In July 2015, Conor McGregor teasingly told Conan O'Brien he would "most certainly dismantle" Floyd Mayweather in a match. Less than two years later, a date was set for the most lucrative and unlikely fight in the history of boxing.
Mayweather has a flawless professional record, undefeated in 49 matches, 26 of which ended with a KO. Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, and many others tried to stop Mayweather - they all failed.
Although he is now 40 years old, and having put his career to rest in 2015, "Money May" is coming out of retirement. He is one victory away from breaking Rocky Marciano's record, a goal he had firmly conceded two years ago.
"There's not talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession [...] I am not talented, I am obsessed". McGregor's dedication sets him apart from other contemporary fighters, and his unbroken readiness to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime resonates well with his fans. Conor McGregor has competed as a featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight, and is now stepping into a world in which he is but an amateur, albeit a stubbornly confident one.
@thenotoriousmma has also become an icon of success for the fans who follow his unashamedly lavish lifestyle. The motivation he inspires is fuelled by stories of his humble start as a Dublin plumber whose first formidable opponent was his father. Tony McGregor, who admits being proven wrong, brushed aside all grudges to express deep pride in and appreciation for his son.
McGregor and Mayweather go face to face on Wednesday, August 26, in the evening.
In the midst of taunting and trash talking, anticipation for the fight is propping up the betting lines, with odds in favour of McGregor. However, the difficulty of the trial is not underplayed; with only two months to prepare, McGregor will have to adapt to very different footwork and transitioning of bodyweight. Faith in McGregor rests on the sheer power of his punch, but the ten ounce boxing gloves he is going to be wearing make it far less effective than it is with MMA gloves.
Conor expects to make $100 million from the fight. Mayweather wouldn't settle for less than "double or triple that".
If Conor can overcome that, he's a legend.
Photo credits: The Sun and FashionBeans
