Floyd Mayweather says Conor McGregor is ‘extremely dirty’ and calls on ref to stop ‘illegal shots’
Undefeated boxing king Mayweather accuses UFC star over sparring sessions with Paulie Malignaggi ahead of August 26 showdown in Las Vegas
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Floyd Mayweather has accused Conor McGregor of “fighting dirty” and using illegal tactics in training ahead of their August 26 superfight.
The undefeated former welterweight king, who is coming out of retirement to fight McGregor in Las Vegas, said he had spotted rabbit punches in footage of the mixed martial arts star’s sparring session with Paulie Malignaggi.
McGregor, who has never fought in a professional boxing contest, appears to floor Malignaggi in the footage.
“I had a chance to see it and my thoughts were, it was interesting,” Mayweather, 40, said of McGregor’s Malignaggi knockdown.
“A lot of rabbit punching, a lot of illegal shots, behind the head.”
McGregor has hired veteran referee Joe Cortez during his training camp to help advise on boxing rules and ensure he fights clean.
“He’s had Joe Cortez in his training camp and I’ve still seen him being extremely dirty,” Mayweather said.
Veteran referee Robert Byrd will be responsible for managing the fight, having also officiated in Mayweather’s 2013 win over Robert Guerrero in Las Vegas.
“I truly believe the referee is going to do a great job,” Mayweather said.
“The referee’s job is to keep the fight clean. He don’t have anything to worry about. I’m looking forward to following the Queensberry rules of boxing.”
Mayweather retired from boxing in 2015 with a perfect 49-0 record to emulate former heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano.
A win against McGregor would see the welterweight become the only man to ever hold a perfect 50-0 record.
“Even though this is my 50th fight, this is not my focus,” Mayweather said. “Rocky Marciano is a legend, he did it his way. I just like to do it the Mayweather way.”
Win or lose, Mayweather is adamant that nothing will be able to tempt him back into the ring following his return against McGregor.
“This is my last one. I gave my word to [adviser] Al Haymon, I gave my word to my children, I don’t want to break that,” Mayweather said.
“I’m going to stick to my word – this is going to be my last fight.”
