Floyd Mayweather has finally spoken publicly after signing the contract to fight UFC star Conor McGregor in one of the richest combat sport events ever.
After more than a year of back and forth, the undefeated boxer and the UFC’s lightweight champion will square off on August 26 in Las Vegas.
It is expected both men will earn in excess of $100 million for the bout which will rank second only to Mayweather’s showdown with Manny Pacquiao in 2015 in terms of hype and money.
Speaking to BSOTV this week, Mayweather claimed it’s the fight the fans wanted to see.
“McGregor is a tough competitor,” Mayweather said.
“People all around the world demanded this fight so I had to give the people what they wanted to see.
“They asked for this fight – I was in retirement – but they wanted me back and I’m back.”
He’s usually not shy about flaunting his vast wealth, but Mayweather wouldn’t be drawn into a discussion on how much he would be paid for the fight.
“I can’t really disclose that,” he said.
“But both parties are very happy. He’s very happy, I’m very happy and I can’t wait.”
It is believed Mayweather earned (US) $220 million for his fight with Pacquiao and made a guaranteed $30 million a few months later for his retirement fight with Andre Berto.
A recent Forbes list estimated that McGregor earned $34 million in 2016. Just four years ago, McGregor picked up a dole check of a couple of hundred dollars before making his UFC debut.
With an entire nation behind him and plenty of support from the MMA world, McGregor has seen a flood of betting money come in for him in the few days since the fight was confirmed.
Mayweather had a message for all McGregor’s backers.
“Believe in Conor,” he said.
“You’re supposed to stand behind your man.
“Stand behind the fighter that you believe in and he’s a hell of a competitor.”
