Conor McGregor insists he will abide by boxing’s rules, rather than resort to MMA tactics in Saturday’s showdown with Floyd Mayweather.
McGregor and Mayweather appeared at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon for their final press conference before the duo lock horns in the ring.
There was a far more subdued, respectful mood to the proceedings than was seen in the pair’s global promotional tour when they traded a series of distasteful insults.
And while UFC lightweight champion McGregor repeated his prediction for a knockout win inside two rounds, he rubbished suggestions that he will have to use MMA techniques to end Mayweather’s 49-0 record.
McGregor said: “I’ve taken the Marquess of Queensbury rules very seriously. I will go out and perform.I’m going to out-box this man at his own game – that’s how skilled and how much I’m on a different level to him.”
He added: “We are prepared for 12 three minute rounds of non-stop pace and I will go forward and break this man.We are more than ready. I don’t see him lasting two rounds. I will have a decision to end it inside one.”
If McGregor can pull off the ultimate upset in his first professional bout, then it’s unlikely to be the 29-year-old’s last boxing contest.When asked where his future lies, McGregor reiterated that he believes it’s possible to alternate between both boxing and the UFC.
“The fight business is the fight business,’ he said. “I can go into any rule set. I’m skilled in many forms of fighting.I will most certainly be looking to compete in both sports.”
“Since I’m the king of the boxing ring and the king of the octagon, maybe I’ll create my own hybrid and have one bang in the middle of the both.I’m an active fighter. I enjoy it. I don’t stop thinking about fighting.When this one is done, I’ll have about 20 secs when I’ll relish the victory, but then I’ll be like ‘who’s next’?”
“That’s the way I’ve always been. I’m still very young in my career, so I’ll be looking to compete all over the place.”
McGregor was noticeably less brash or expletive-ridden than in last month’s press tour throughout North America and at Wembley, albeit he ended his opening speech by claiming he was going to “**** this boy up”.
The two smartly suited fighters were far briefer in their remarks and thanked the various promoters and the training teams.But McGregor’s ultimate confidence is undimmed and believes his preparations have put him on track to ensure Mayweather’s professional career ends on a losing note.
The Irishman added: “We’re here now, couple of days out.There have been a lot of these crazy press conferences. This is a lot more business like, a lot more subdued.I’m very happy with how the camp has gone. Everything has been amazing.I really appreciate the support from everybody – back home, all over the world. It’s been very humbling and motivating.”
