The wait is almost over, one of the most hyped up boxing matches of recent years takes place in Las Vegas on Saturday as Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor face off in the ring. It is the news story that has dominated sports headlines since it was announced and now the talking can finally stop when the two fighters swap the microphones for the gloves on Saturday.
Floyd Mayweather is arguably the greatest pound for pound boxer of all time and is the proud owner of a 49-0 record that he will be expecting to extend to 50-0 on Saturday night. Mayweather, 40, retired from boxing almost two years ago, but the huge pay cheque on offer has tempted him back into the ring one last time.
He will come up against Conor McGregor who is taking part in his first ever professional boxing bout after making the move over from UFC. McGregor, 29, is a larger than life personality and sought to become the first ever UFC Dual Weight Champion when he took on Nate Diaz, but he lost the fight, his first ever loss in UFC. McGregor went on to win the rematch between the two in July of last year, before setting his sights on Mayweather.
Mayweather will start the fight as big favourite, but there has been plenty of money staked on McGregor in recent weeks which has seen his odds cut to 3/1 with most bookies. McGregor has the height, weight and reach advantages on Mayweather as well as being 11 years his junior, but this is his first ever professional boxing fight and it is against one of the greatest boxers ever. McGregor has a chance, he is the stronger man and his unorthodox style could catch Mayweather off guard, but you’ve got to believe that there is no way Mayweather would have taken this fight if he thought there was a chance he was going to lose it.
Stamina could well be an issue for McGregor, with it being reported that he has put on considerable weight since the weigh in. He will have to start fast if he to stand any chance and the switch to twelve, three minute rounds could cause the UFC fighter problems.
In terms of the betting, the smart money is on Mayweather to win by stoppage at 8/11 and 3/1 to win by knockout. Whilst if you fancy McGregor to win by stoppage that is available at a big 7/2 and the knockout is 6/1. The odds on McGregor are far too short considering the advantage Mayweather has in this fight, he was 11/1 to win at the turn of the year and has come right in to 3/1 due to his popularity and the amount of money staked on him.
Mayweather is not well liked by many, but don’t let McGregor’s likeable personality sway you in your betting; Mayweather should win this and I’m backing him to win by stoppage.
Tip – Mayweather to win by Stoppage 8/11 (Bet365). More Conor McGregor betting here: