Syracuse Orange: Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather

Without a doubt the top trending topic this week in the sports world is Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather. The Syracuse Orange staff discusses the fight.

Next week is the start of the Syracuse Orange season with Dino Babers at the helm. But this week is fight week between the Irish sensation Conor McGregor and Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.

There’s been a lot of hype around this fight and it’s been building up for some time, it’s hard to believe fight week is already here. So who’s going to win in a boxing match?

A MMA superstar in McGregor who has never boxed in a professional boxing match. Or arguably the greatest defensive boxer of all-time. Let the debate begin with our staff and we’ll check in with the ITLH faithful.

Paul A. Esden Jr.- Site Expert

Follow: @BoyGreen25

To provide context, I’m a huge mixed martial arts fan. I’m an active third degree black belt in TaeKwonDo. I used to enjoy boxing thoroughly but much like everyone else, when the sports fell off the planet, so did my interest. I work in sports radio during the day. I’ve heard all the hooplah.

Conor McGregor is a MMA guy, he’s never boxed in a professional boxing fight he’s going to get destroyed. I’ve seen every fight of McGregor’s career, there’s one thing that I won’t be doing and that’s doubting him in any fight.

He’s got the heart of a champion and I’ve moved around my schedule and I have Saturday off from work and everything else. I’ll be watching to see history made. Here’s the thing, it only takes one hit. McGregor is a southpaw who’s one of the best strikers in MMA. While he can’t use his grappling, submissions, or leg kicks, he’ll be fine. He’s got great cardio and keeps himself overall in phenomenal shape.

This will be the biggest money fight in history, but will it live up to the hype? I think it’ll be better than Mayweather vs Pacquiao. I also bought that fight and was hugely disappointed. This is the dream scenario seeing two stars of separate sports meet in the middle of the ring to finally stop the debate.

Most people I’ve run into have this mentality: my heart says McGregor but man these odds are tough, I’m putting my money on ‘Money’. Here’s my take, I’m taking McGregor in this fight. Call me crazy, but despite Mayweather being the best defensive boxer I’ve ever seen, Father Time is undefeated. Mayweather is 40 years old, he’s been out of the game and hasn’t fought since 2015. Give me the fresher fighter, give me the better trash talker, and give me the biggest upset of the century. I’m taking, The Notorious Conor McGregor, to win this fight by knockout! Don’t @ me.

Neil Adler- Contributor

This question is tricky for me personally, since I know absolutely nothing about boxing and UFC. What I do know is this: the marketing hype for this fight has proven ridiculously fantastic. I own a marketing company myself, so I can appreciate the relentless build-up to this duel.

Both of these guys are champions – Floyd Mayweather in boxing, and Conor McGregor in UFC. So

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you have to respect each of their respective athletic talents. However, since this is a boxing match, and Mayweather is a boxer, and McGregor is a UFC professional, it’s hard to bet against Mayweather.

I think the best thing that McGregor has going for him is the element of surprise. Mayweather is used to fighting against other boxers, and McGregor is not one of them. Mayweather may not know what to expect, and that uncertainty could enable McGregor, who is as tough as nails, to hang around.

If he does that, maybe that gets inside Mayweather’s head, which may give McGregor a chance. If I had to wager, it’s on Mayweather, but crazier things have happened before. I wouldn’t count McGregor out, particularly if he makes it through the first few rounds. No matter what transpires, this event will prove a spectacle, and I must give props to both men for their marketing prowess!

Andrew Carey- Contributor

Follow: @Papi_Carey

Coming from Irish heritage, I have always rooted for Conor McGregor, and unlike most, have found his act funny. I think he has all the right to talk trash, because he consistently backs up his trash talk with butt-kickings, inside the Octagon.

However, when I heard that the McGregor vs. Mayweather fight was actually going to happen, I was pretty shocked. I think that McGregor has no real shot at winning the fight, unless Floyd’s age and absence from the ring in recent years has a large effect on Money Mayweather.

Mayweather’s conditioning has always been top notch, so I don’t expect Conor to have the endurance factor. Ultimately, I think McGregor will surprise some people, and the fight will go the distance, but I don’t think McGregor can win if it comes down to a decision.

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Josh Peelman- Contributor

Follow: @jnpmessenger

Well I think this fight is going to be all Mayweather. He is undefeated to this point for a reason (49-0). He is a good defensive boxer and knows how to beat the best in his sport. I am rooting for McGregor to pull the upset but I find it highly unlikely. May the best man win!

Paul A. Esden Sr.- Contributor

This is a tough one for me. I have been a big fan of Floyd Mayweather for a long time. His boxing skills are unparalleled in his generation of boxers. He has always had more skills than brains but always looking to live up to his moniker ‘Money’.

His defensive skills have earned him the chant of boring, as most fans are not looking to enjoy the sweet science but for the knock out. Now money has fought the Big Show during WrestleMania and I’m afraid that this may be more of the same. More sideshow than sporting event.
On the other hand as a fan of the UFC I truly enjoy Conor McGregor.

I hope this will be a real fight and I give Conor a punchers chance. However he is more likely to forget he is in a boxing match and use MMA on Money Mayweather than knock him out with the pillow boxing calls a glove. So I sadly say my money is on Mayweather. But I’m still saying there’s a chance ….

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Zachary Weisleder- Contributor

Follow: @ZachWeisleder

Floyd Mayweather may be 40-years-old, but whoever doesn’t think he’s the safe pick to win this fight is crazy. The beautiful thing about combat sports is that anyone can beat anyone. With that in mind, Mayweather’s experience in the sport should allow him to win.

Regardless, both men are going to be winners when all is said and done. When the Pay Per View is $100, both sides are benefiting. It is inevitable that McGregor will attack early. Only time will tell whether or not his actions make the fight last a few rounds, or the entire 12.

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