
With the entire combat sports world eagerly awaiting the next development in the ongoing Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor saga, a top executive from Showtime Boxing gives fans an update as to what exactly is going on in negotiations between the two superstars.
Stephen Espinoza, one of the biggest names who helped to make the richest fight in all of combat sports a reality, the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout in 2015, is obviously in the know. He gave his two cents on where we are at with talks for the crossover megabout.
The Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather bout has to happen, but will it?
The much anticipated fight which pits boxing’s pound-for-pound best against the most popular fighter in the UFC has every fan in a loop. Mayweather hasn’t fought in nearly two years. McGregor on the other hand had his most successful run as a UFC fighter last year.
Mayweather is considered arguably the best boxer of all time. While McGregor, who is close to his weight class, is highly-regarded as a mixed martial artist. Ever since the possibility came up of the two competing against each other in the boxing ring over a year ago, the idea such a bout has captured the entire world.
If the fight does indeed happen, it’s sure to break all sorts of financial records, Mayweather-Pacquiao fight included. However, there are some challenges to making the fight happen. Espinoza recently talked to MMA Fighting and gave his take on the status of negotiations.
Showtime Boxing executive gives fans some real updates on negotiations
“The biggest battle in Mayweather-Pacquiao was both guys really thinking that the other wanted to do it. That part has happened [with McGregor and Mayweather], so I think the real question – and it’s sort of a black box right now – is where’s the UFC really, on this? Do they, in fact, want it? Dana – speaking on behalf of, I assume, the UFC – is making noises that he’s more open to it but talk is talk. I haven’t seen a lot of progress either internally in the deal between the two of them or externally, the deal between that side and this side.
“It’s largely at a standstill. There hasn’t been a ton of progress and I think if they don’t move relatively quickly, people may move on. People may tire of it. But it really is something that needs to happen this year or it probably won’t happen. Floyd’s on 18 months, two solid years come September since he’s fought. He’s still in great shape, but at a certain point, he’s not gonna do it after a while.
“I think part of the fear on the UFC’s side is that they’ll never see Conor again. If he makes 50, 60, 70 and then you never see him in the ring and he retires in Ireland and so much for their megastar.”
So there you have it folks. Do you think this fight happens this year?