Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/2106526/conor-mcgregor-plans-rule-boxing-and-mma-iron-first-after-mayweather
Sport/ Boxing

Conor McGregor plans to rule boxing ‘with an iron first’ after Floyd Mayweather fight

UFC star says he’s the ‘face of the fight game’ now and eyes dominance in the boxing ring as well as the octagon

Conor McGregor walks through the gym during a workout at the UFC Performance Centre in Las Vegas. Photo: Reuters

Conor McGregor said he has become “the face of the fight game” ahead of his upcoming multi-million dollar boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas this month.

The 29-year-old mixed martial arts star, who has never boxed professionally, said his sole concern was getting the win, and that the cash was a secondary issue.

UFC lightweight champion McGregor is due to face the 40-year old Mayweather, who retired in 2015 with an unblemished 49-0, on August 26 in a 12-round super welterweight boxing bout.

“I am the face of the fight game, period. I’ll rule over both [boxing and MMA] with an iron fist – an iron left fist,” he said.

The fight against “Money” Mayweather will shoot the brash Irishman into the financial stratosphere, but McGregor said he was not worried about the cash.

“The word [money] isn’t even in my vocabulary. I’m preparing to win, and to win in devastating fashion,” he said.

Conor McGregor wears a new custom-made robe as he talks with reporters. Photo: Reuters
Conor McGregor wears a new custom-made robe as he talks with reporters. Photo: Reuters

“I don’t care about money. As long as I make my correct decisions and don’t make stupid decisions, I’m set for life.”

Wearing a robe made for him by fashion designer Donatella Versace, emblazoned with his name and “Notorious” nickname in gold on the back, McGregor said he felt in “pristine condition” as he had his hands wrapped for the workout.

“This is a fight that has been in my cross hairs since Floyd’s been opening his mouth, simple as that,” McGregor said of his decision to chase a match-up against one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Both fighters have said that the contest at the T-Mobile Arena will not go the full 12 rounds. Mayweather told the media at his workout this week that the fight going the distance would represent a victory for his 29-year-old opponent.

“You know what I heard him say yesterday? Nothing,” McGregor scoffed when asked about the statement.

“I saw a man scared, that’s what I saw, I saw a lacklustre workout, I saw a man trying to talk himself out of it. That’s what I saw.”

Conor McGregor hits a heavy bag during his media workout. Photo: AFP
Conor McGregor hits a heavy bag during his media workout. Photo: AFP

McGregor warmed up and then pulled on his boxing gloves, working up a sweat on a selection of punch bags for 12 three-minute rounds.

After a flurry of punches on the final bag, McGregor still had one more parting shot for boxing fans who are criticism.

“I just want to say to all of boxing – it’s OK to love me as much as I love me. It’s OK. Let it go,” a beaming McGregor said.