Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are two of the most controversial-- and best-- fighters in recent memory. Rumors have been swirling for some time now about a potential match between the two, with McGregor adding fuel to the fire by getting a boxing license in California. While many people are convinced this fight will never happen, there are others who would love to see two of the world's best combat athletes meet in the ring.
Mayweather's 20 years of experience in the boxing ring and undefeated record make a strong case that he would be able to beat McGregor handily. McGregor is one of the most talented strikers in the UFC, with 18 of his 21 wins coming by knockout, but mixed martial arts is a different game than boxing and there is no proof that McGregor's skills in the octagon would translate well to the ring.
But Conor McGregor is an athlete and a competitor, and has been able to knock out other skilled fighters in under 20 seconds. The chance may not be high, but if McGregor were to go into this fight and beat Mayweather, the sport of boxing would have to take a serious look at its validity in the face of the newer combat sport.
Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the United States and is beginning to rival boxing in its popularity. Some people see UFC as the future and boxing as the past. More athletes are choosing to pursue mixed martial arts as opposed to boxing, and a McGregor win would almost cement the fact that the better athletes are choosing the UFC.
Granted, McGregor is an exceptional athlete and he would not be entirely out of his element in a boxing ring. But McGregor is a fighter not a boxer. To go into a fight with little boxing specific experience and beat one of sport's best would indicate the UFC may have the better talent.
At 39, Mayweather is past his prime, and there are many factors that could contribute to a knockout victory for McGregor. A decision victory would be the real prize for McGregor, because it would prove he not only out-boxed Mayweather but also was able to last twelve rounds fighting, instead of the three or five he is used to.
It could also be argued that maybe it isn't the sport itself, but instead just the freakish abilities of McGregor that put him over the top against Mayweather.
But no matter the reason, a McGregor would still not be a good look for boxing. It would call into question the legacy of arguably one of the best of all time, and would attract both fans and potential athletes away from boxing and to the UFC.
McGregor vs. Mayweather could turn into one of the most important fights of all time-- if it were to happen. It would also pit two of the biggest trash talkers in sports history against each other, making the lead up to the fight electric.
Unfortunately, this dream fight is currently just that--a dream. But that has never stopped sports fans from speculating. Boxing will probably be safe from collapse, but if anyone were to cause the downfall of a sport, Conor McGregor would be the first in line.
