McGregor Mayweather LIVE countdown: Hype building around Las Vegas showdown

CONOR MCGREGOR V FLOYD MAYWEATHER: Latest build-up from Las Vegas…

Thursday August 24

McGregor Q&A

13.20: Conor McGregor has been speaking to betting partner Betsafe ahead of Saturday’s fight.

In the first part of the Q&A he reveals his biggest influence and who would play him in a movie.

Biggest Achievement In Your Career?

A lot! I’ve had a lot! All of the world titles.

Best Venue Ever Fought At?

O2 Dublin.

Favourite Punch To Throw?

Left paw.

Who is the biggest influence in your career?

The man in the mirror, me. I’m self-motivated.

Ireland or Vegas?

Ireland!

Tyson or Ali?

Ali, all day.

First car?

My first car was an Opel Astra, a brand new one.

Who would play you in ‘Conor McGregor The Movie’?

Conor McGregor…double cheques. 

World wide appeal

12.45: Rory McIlroy admits he’s intrigued by fellow countryman Conor McGregor ahead of Saturday’s fight with Floyd Mayweather.

“I’m intrigued,” McIlroy said on Wednesday. “He (McGregor) talks a good game. If you just listened to his press conferences and what he said, you would think he is the guy with the 50-0 boxing record.

“Some of the stuff he does wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but he believes 100% in himself and believes he’s going to go out on Saturday night and shock the world.

“Imagine if McGregor knocks him out in the first couple of rounds? They’d get even more for the rematch and would be even bigger. I just don’t know what that zero on Mayweather’s record is worth, and that’s his legacy.”

Has Mayweather got a gambling problem?

11.15: Conor McGregor accused Floyd Mayweather of having a “big-time gambling problem” as the two faced off ahead of Saturday’s fight.

Mayweather’s openness regarding gambling is central to his “Money Mayweather” persona but there remain those within boxing who believe it may lead to an eventual comeback, despite his personal wealth reportedly standing at £266million last year.

McGregor, having been told Mayweather had said he is considering “putting the most I’ve ever done at the sports book” on another victory, calmly responded: “He needs to let that gambling go – he’s a bit heavy on that gambling.

“He’s always talking about doing it and then not doing it. I don’t really care. You don’t really see many winners in those types of places.

“I certainly know he has a big-time gambling problem, from seeing him. He gambles on half-times and things like that. He shows what his wins are, never shows what the losses are.

“Maybe that’s why he’s in the position he’s in and he had to take this fight. I’m focused on the fight, not gambling.”

McGregor will make weight

10.30: Dan Hardy has dismissed Floyd Mayweather’s claims that McGregor will struggle to make the 154lb light-middleweight limit. 

“The rumour is that he is six to eight pounds over and that is nothing for an MMA fighter,” he said.

“There is an art form to this, being the bigger man in there is an advantage, especially in MMA with the wrestling. 

“Conor will have a perfect plan to get down to weight, he won’t miss weight.”

Belt on the line

10.00: WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed a new commemorative belt will be awarded to the winner of the fight on Saturday night.

“I am proud to be here at the MGM Grand, the mecca of boxing, this is an event that has captured the attention of the world, two different sports meet in the ring,” he said.

“Boxing will be in the eyes of millions around the world and for this fight the WBC has created the Money belt for the winner.”

No revolution for McGregor

09.20: Conor McGregor insists he will not try anything stupid and will stick to boxing – in an attempt to beat Floyd Mayweather at his own game.

“I’ve taken this very seriously, taken the rules very seriously and I will go out and perform,” he said.

“I will not look to implement anything, I will beat this man at his own game, I am a different level to him.

“When it’s all said and done I will be sad, you should have all kept your mouth shut, you should have left me where I was, he is not even a quarter of the man I am.”

McGregor eyes new sport

09.00: Conor McGregor says he could start his own sport after conquering UFC and with boxing on his agenda.

“I was thinking once i have conquered the octagon and the boxing ring i might create my own hybrid of the two sports,” he said.

“Once I win this I will relish in victory, and then I will think who is next. Still very young in my career.

“I have been continually climbing up the ranks, it’s about levels. The sky is most certainly the limit.”

McGregor sees a broken man

08.45: When asked what he saw when he looked into Mayweather’s eyes at the end, he replied: “I just saw him broken if I’m being honest. 

“They should have left me where I was. I was good on my game. They shouldn’t have brought this animal over here. 

“They have made a grave error and all I can do is capitalise on that.

“The coverage for this contest and the spotlight that has been put on combat sport has been absolutely inspiring for young fighters in combat sport. 

“The sky is the limit for combat sports now and I’m delighted to be part of it.”

McGregor Mayweather press conference recap

08.30: Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather faced off in Las Vegas last night ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster showdown.

The two spoke at length ahead of the fight and Express Sport will bring you up to speed.

McGregor has vowed to break Mayweather on Saturday night.

“Floyd, you need to carry yourself with class or the pay checks will stop coming,” he said. 

“Well, we are here now and this is more subdued, the way I like it, sometimes.

“I am very happy with how camp has gone, everything has been absolute amazing and I thank my team. 

“We are prepared for twelve three minute rounds of non-stop pace, I will come forward and put the pressure on and break this old man.”

But Mayweather says it’s all about him and his performance and vows not to give up his 49-0 record.

“It comes down to me and the guy I’m competing against,” he said.

“I had a tremendous training camp. We had different guys, giving me different looks.

“To be in the sport 21 years, I had to take it extremely serious.

“I’m taking it extremely serious, I know one thing that I can do – I can fight! I can give it and I can take it.

“To be 49-0 I’m not receiving it, I’m giving it. 

“He’s a hell of  fighter, a stand-up guy, a tough competitor. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears. 

“After 21 years, I’ve been hit with everything and I’m still here.”

Wednesday August 23

McGregor Mayweather face-off

22:23: Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather face-off.

McGregor takes off his glasses whilst chewing on gum – neither fighter flinches.

The Irishman mumbles something under his breath and then Mayweather is gently moved aside and Dana White does the same with McGregor.

They both then pull some ridiculous poses for the cameras before walking off stage.

Fairly muted, maybe the weigh in will be different?

Tense McGregor

22:15: McGregor seems noticeable tense responding to a question from the assembled media about whether he can take Mayweather’s punches by replying: “I have been through shinbone”, he replies.

The Irishman definitely doesn’t seem at ease right now on this grand stage in front of around 1,000 accredited media, certainly not in the same way as he was on the world publicity tour last month.

The tension of being three days away from the fight itself is showing in both fighters.

McGregor: “When this fight is done, I will have 20 seconds to relish in victory and then I will be like ‘who’s next?'”

McGregor then seems to relax and find his feet as he talks about creating an octagon/boxing ring hybrid to face future opponents.

Mayweather praises McGregor

22:10: Surprisngly Mayweather has called McGregor a “hell of a fighter”.

“I am pretty sure he had a tremendous training camp, now it is about the best fighting the best. He is the best at what he does and so am I. It comes down to the skills, fighting and competing and giving you what you want to see.”

Mayweather finishes off with a humble speech, praising his opponent, but reminding people of his undefeated record – McGregor looked a bit nervous, without his usual swagger.

Humble Mayweather

22:07: “A lot of time we come to these press conferences to conduct ourselves in an orderly fashion,” Mayweather said.

“I had a great training camp. To be in a combat sport we are fighters at the end of the day. To be in the sport 21 years I had to take it extremely seriously.

“When it is all said and done, one thing I can do is fight. To be 49-0 it is obvious I am giving it, not receiving it.”

McGregor trash talk

22:03: Conor McGregor said: “We are prepared for three minuets rounds of non stop pace I will break this old man.

“He made a big error in 8oz gloves, he messed up, he won’t last two rounds.”

Dana White speaks

21:38: Dan White told the BBC: “To think Conor can’t beat Floyd Mayweather is quite something. The naysayers will be asking different questions on Sunday. This is not a boxing match, it’s a fight.

“He is completely different to anyone I have ever met. His belief in himself, his fight IQ, if he hits Floyd Mayweather he will hurt him and knock him out.

“Every time I’ve seen him he is in great shape.

“His legacy will be that he is the greates combat sports star ever. If he knocks him out he will be the biggest star on earth.

“Bob Arum is an idiot boxing promoter. He’s a moron. He said this is like LeBron James fighting Anthony Joshua. Conor McGregor is a fighter and has done it his whole life. It is not the end of the world and the end of boxing if he knocks Floyd out on Saturday night.”

On trash talk going too far: “What happens is, you take two guys who get into it verbally. Dumb things fly out of their mouths. I’ve done it. These guys are going to try to knock one another out. When you talk about guys who are heated, sometimes things that are not politically correct will fly out.”

Will McGregor return to the UFC?: “He could make $100m and never want to fight again. He’s done a lot of good things for this company and whatever happens I’m happy for him. He’s going to be the biggest star in all of sports on Saturday night. He will be the biggest star on earth, period.”

Floyd Mayweather speaks

20:56: Floyd Mayweather has been speaking ahead of the final press conference before his fight with Conor McGregor.

When asked about other fight options instead of McGregor, he replied: “Why take a chance of making $30m when you can make over $300m?

“I can’t say where Conor McGregor sits among the great fighters I have faced until I face him. This is a great fight, something that’s worldwide.

“I don’t miss the hype and this at all. I’d rather be at home watching TV. This is my job.

“McGregor can say whatever he wants to say, when it comes down to it I can fight. I’m going to look good don’t worry. No matter what he’s said, he’s in a real fight. Mentally, no athlete is stronger than me.”

And when questioned about the threat the bigger man McGregor poses with his punch: “I don’t worry about that. Shane Mosley landed. I’m a true champion. True champions can take anything.”

And on reports his diet has been a bit slack: “I can eat a burger. I’m eating a burger tonight. Come eat one with me, we have cheeseburgers at my strip club.”

Five million bets

18:30: Bookmakers estimate there will be more bets placed on Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor’s blockbuster bout than there are people in Ireland.

The bookies are anticipating an industry figure of FIVE MILLION bets to be placed between now and the final bell in Las Vegas, comfortably making this the biggest boxing event of all-time.

The money is beginning to come in for Mayweather, who has shortened to 1/4 in the last 24 hours, while McGregor’s odds have drifted for the first time since the fight was confirmed back in June.

A Ladbroks spokesperson said: “The latest numbers are suggesting plenty will be watching the fight with a betslip in their hand too, and a McGregor victory could prove a costly day for our traders.

“We’ve had to drastically shorten McGregor’s odds over the last few weeks following serious interest from punters, but a series of big bets on ‘Money’ over the last 24 hours have meant Notorious’ odds have subsequently drifted.”

Bellew warns Mayweather

15:53: Tony Bellew has sent Floyd Mayweather a message ahead of his super-fight with Conor Mcgregor.

“If Mayweather loses this fight, I would tell him that he has destroyed his whole career and legacy,” Bellew said.

“No one would be able to look past the fact he’s been beaten by a man who is having his first professional boxing match.

“‘Money’ is fighting someone who does not have one bit of knowledge and experience in a boxing ring, if he loses, it ruins everything he has achieved in the ring.”

Floyd Mayweather to retire

11.30: Floyd Mayweather insists this is his last comeback and the Conor McGregor fight on Saturday night will be his final time in the ring.

And Mayweather admits, having come out of retirement, that this is his final battle, after promising his loved ones he won’t put his body through the strain again.

“I’ve promised my children and I’ve promised the people around me that this is the last one,” he said.

”You know that when you push your body to the limit and beaten everyone out there that now the time has come.”

Paddy Power pay out on Floyd Mayweather

10:00: Irish bookies Paddy Power have taken a dig at Conor McGregor – by paying out on a win for Floyd Mayweather already.

The fight is more than three days away but that hasn’t stopped Paddy Power chiefs rewarding Mayweather backers.

The Irish bookmaker made the £250,000 pay-out this morning – despite more than 80 per cent of its customers backing McGregor.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “We’re spinning the roulette wheel a bit here – as getting it wrong would see a serious Mac Attack on my bank balance. 

“But, when you’re backing Mayweather, you’ve basically covered the whole board anyway.

“Patriotism aside, we are paying out early on a Mayweather victory – because we checked, and only one of them is a boxer.”

Brawl at McGregor Mayweather press conference

08:45: Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor became involved in a backstage brawl at overnight.

Trouble brewed when Mayweather and his huge entourage exited the stage at the first promo event.

Mayweather passed McGregor’s camp, who were accompanying the Irishman to his interview.

Both entourages walked slowly towards one another before there was a large melee.

Several photographers and journalists were caught up in the fracas.

McGregor promises first-round knockout

07:30: No such respect from McGregor for Mayweather, though. He’s promised a first-round knockout.

The Irishman said: “It’s not my toughest challenger, not close.

“I don’t see it in him. I’m going to crumble, that’s it. It could not have gone better this camp, we’re ready.

“We’ll focus on the weight now and that’s it. I’m a special man, I’ll prove that August 26.

“I think it’ll happen, one or two rounds. Part of me is saying I’ll badly hurt him and play with him after the 10 second count.

“I will have the ability to take him out. He will be on the floor after the first and the second and if he survives it, after that I’ll decide if I embarrass him or put him out his misery.”

Mayweather message to UK fans

06:55: Mayweather is trying to butter up the UK fans ahead of the fight.

He said today: “I really appreciate the fans from the UK for supporting me for so many years.

“I haven’t fought again every country – I’ve never fought against the Irish before and this is my first time – and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be exciting.

“My job is to go out there, be me, keep my composure – I don’t worry about nothing.”

Malignaggi confronts McGregor

06:20: There was also scenes involving McGregor’s sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi.

The McGregor camp last week issued footage of McGregor putting him to the canvas – but Malignaggi isn’t happy about how the video was used.

He tried to get to McGregor during the press conference in tense scenes on the Las Vegas strip.

Afterwards, he said: “All I wanted to do was grab his manager, take him aside from the scrum and talk to him man to man.

“The way they edited that first one, you have to keep in mind it’s different cameras. It has to be one camera, don’t switch angles, it’s got to be one camera so you know it’s not being mixed.

“He’s going to fold again.”

Drama overnight as Mayweather booed

6am: It’s all kicked over overnight…

There’s chaos in Las Vegas as Floyd Mayweather was booed by unhappy fans in the first promotional event of the week.

Mayweather was barely visible as he entered amid a large entourage before being hidden on stage by a media scrum.

Conor McGregor arrived, made a beeline for an Irish flag in the crowd before performing an impromptu lap of fans as security gave chase.

On stage, McGregor vowed he would be “calm and cold” on fight night.

“He needs to be put to sleep,” said McGregor. “He will wake up a better man. I am going to do that for him.”