This Khabib Nurmagamedov v Floyd Mayweather Nonsense Isn’t Going Away Just Yet… Now the Russian’s Father Wants Mike Tyson as Coach for Boxing Match…
The speculation continues to mount around who will be Khabib Nurmagamedov’s next opponent. In any fair world, it will be Tony Ferguson who has earned this fight more than once already. But at the end of the day money talks and there’s one man who can bring a massive payday like nobody else. Floyd Mayweather.
Khabib called out Mayweather last week on Instagram and got the response he was looking for as the American appeared to accept his challenge. Let’s not forget that last year Mayweather was saying that Tyron Woodley was going to train him for an MMA debut. It’s absolute nonsense but it’s showing no signs of going away just yet.
Now Team Khabib is escalating things. They’ve said that if it happens, they want two of the best boxers of all time to help him prepare for the fight: Vasily Lomachenko and Mike Tyson.
Preparation
Abdulmanap Nurmagamedov is one of the most respected martial arts coaches in Russia. He is a sambo and judo expert and was given the awesome title of master of sports by the USSR. He’s been a key presence in Khabib’s career and upbringing, although has never been able to get a visa to corner his son in the US. He told boxingscene.com:
“I would like the best specialist in the boxing world, Anatoly Lomachenko and Mike Tyson of course. Khabib will have chances against Mayweather, but right now it’s premature to talk about this fight, because there is a trial in Nevada.”
Talk about a clash of styles… Tyson is, of course, a renowned power-puncher in the heavyweight division, while ‘Hi-Tech’ Lomachenko has the slickest feet and movement in the sport. Alright Abdulmanap, keep taking your medicine.
Pac-Man Time
Anyway, Mayweather has allegedly agreed to a rematch with former adversary Manny Pacquaio in early 2019. The pair fought back in 2015 – about five years too late. It was one of the most anticipated and most disappointing boxing matches of all time, and the pair seems to think that it’s easy money just to have a rematch.
Mayweather officially retired after beating Conor McGregor last year. It was an absolute media circus that was driven by the two men’s personalities. McGregor captured the imagination of fans around the world as he talked the talk and talked about that elusive puncher’s chance.
Desire?
Is there actually any demand for this potential fight between Mayweather and Khabib? Khabib is a wrestler with a limited striking ability. He’s definitely effective and yes he surprised Conor McGregor in their match, dropping the Irishman in the second round. However, that style of dirty boxing – designed to set up the takedown – just won’t work against a classy boxer like Mayweather.
Also, so much of the May-Mc fight was personality driven. McGregor made the fans believe. Does anybody actually think Khabib has any chance of outboxing Mayweather? No chance. Absolutely zero. Mayweather will probably get a lightweight title shot ahead of Tony Ferguson though…
