Whether it be walkouts, mic time or the billing, Floyd Mayweather left no doubt in everyone’s minds as to who the headline act will be in his blockbuster fight with Conor McGregor on August 26. The boxing legend completely overshadowed the UFC lightweight champion throughout the first leg of their promotional world tour at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles with far more time at the podium and a proper walkout flanked by his entourage and bodyguards, as opposed to McGregor, who strolled out on his own to no fanfare from stage left.
The confident swagger may have been present, as was the tailored suit, however McGregor was far from his usual self. Slightly sheepish on the mic, McGregor admitted he had been caught off guard by the format of the press conference compared to what he is used to and hadn’t known he needed to prepare a speech.
The evening’s proceeding were started off by Showtime Boxing supremo Stephen Espinoza and the MGM Grand Resort’s president of sports and entertainment, Richard Sturm that confirmed we were going to be getting a traditional boxing presser complete with corporate suits. Afterwards, UFC President Dana White gave a fired up introduction to “The Notorious.”
“Baby, we did it,” said the Irishman to the cheering crowd before taking time to find his feet as he noticeably improvised in front of the 20,000 fight fans in attendance. When McGregor did find his rhythm, he immediately fired shots in Mayweather’s direction.
“He’s in a f**king tracksuit,” started McGregor referring to Mayweather’s casual appearance at the event. He would then go on to allude to the 40-year-old’s recent tax problems.
“He can’t even afford a suit anymore! The Rolls is a 2012 outside. He is f**ked.”
Mystic Mac would also throw out his now famous predictions and named the round in which he expected to knock out “Money” Mayweather.
“There’s no other way about it. His little legs, his little core, his little head. I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds, mark my words.”
Mayweather was far more fired up and intense when speaking to masses, commanding the stage with a presence as he led a chant of his “hard work – dedication” mantra.
“You line ‘em up and I knock ‘em down. On August 26, I’m gonna knock this bitch out too.” said a snarling Mayweather to a baying crowd.
Despite McGregor’s attempts to interject, his mic was cut throughout most of Mayweather’s speech and he could only look on as the boxer grabbed hold of the limelight and continued his well-planned sermon.
“He look good for a seven-figure fighter, he look good for an eight-figure fighter. But mother-fucker, I’m a nine-figure fighter. This bitch made three million dollars his last fight. But we know that’s training camp money for me.”
Mayweather would continue his focused dialogue before finishing with a poignant sign-off.
“God only made one thing perfect, and that’s my boxing record.”
The two would then get involved in an intense staredown during the face off as Dana White remained in the middle to keep the peace. With both engaging in trash talk throughout, it never seemed like boiling over and they would eventually separate and pose for pictures.
After McGregor’s caged performance, the next three days of the world tour could prove to be a bust unless they let the fiery Irishman off his leash to do what he does best and sell a fight.
