Word coming out of Conor’s team is that someone, and not Conor, is going to die on August 26th…
On Wednesday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously voted to approve a one-time waiver to allow Conor and Floyd to wear 8-ounce gloves during their bout. The move breaks with standard boxing protocol, which requires any fight above 147lbs to be contested using 10-ounce gloves.
Some are speculating the reduced glove size is an advantage for Conor. It was Floyd himself who stated through social media two weeks ago that he wished for the reduced glove size to give Conor more of an advantage.
Surprisingly, the NSAC mentioned such a change was possible if both fighters filed for a waiver and the commission voted in favor of it. Despite being urged against the move by the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP), the NSAC voted unanimously to approve the waiver.
Conor McGregor Comments on Smaller Gloves
While some debate the degree of impact the reduced glove size will have the fight, others are speculating it will be an advantage for Conor. Smaller glove sizes could increase the chances of a knockout during the bout, which seemingly favors Conor. Few are giving him a chance if the fight goes to a decision.
On the other hand, Floyd may have requested the smaller gloves to increase the chances he is able to knock Conor out. Floyd may take some slack after the bout if it is as frustrating to watch as many of his other high-profile bouts have been. Knocking out Conor McGregor would be a good way for him to prevent more critics from calling him boring.
As for Conor, here is what he had to say about the smaller glove sizes:
“I’m very happy with how the Nevada State Athletic Commission handled it. They handled it fairly and they listened to both requests,”
“I think that’s it in a nutshell. You have pros and cons on both sides,” he said of the new glove size. “Both athletes were asking for it, and me, I’m coming up in ounces from what I am used to. Hey, look what I fight with. I fight in 4-ounce fingerless gloves. [The change] benefits both of us in certain ways.”
Dana White also commented on how he thinks smaller glove sizes will impact the bout:
“I think it affects the contest a lot,” White said. “Yes, Floyd will be faster with 8-ounce gloves, but he’s more defensive. Conor hits like a truck, so smaller gloves help him big time. I think it absolutely does [work in McGregor’s favor].”
Jon Kavanaugh Predicts Floyd’s Death
Conor McGregor’s head coach, Jon Kavanaugh, was also optimistic about how the rule-change will impact the bout.
Kavanaugh posted the following video moments after the NSAC announced their decision:
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) August 16, 2017
The video Kavanaugh posted is of Ivan Drago from Rocky IV. In the film, Drago says the words “if he dies, he dies” to reporters after knocking out Apollo Creed. In the film, Creed died of his injuries. Apparently, Kavanaugh feels the same thing is now in-store for Floyd Mayweather.
