During the press tours for his August 26th fight against Conor McGregor, Floyd Mayweather Jr. spoke about crossing over into mixed martial arts. And like how many are currently dismissing McGregor’s chances, observers have also concluded the same if Floyd Jr. does decide to make his own transition.
Despite the odds stacked against McGregor, many are still expected to tune in and spend some money on the upcoming fight. However, the same level of attention is not expected to be given if the tables were turned, at least according to former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy.
“We don’t need to see Floyd step into the octagon and get James Toney-ed, to know that’s exactly what would happen,” Hardy told MMA Junkie. “It’s a foregone conclusion and not even up for question. The only reason people would tune into that is for the satisfaction of seeing Floyd getting his little head squeezed off.”
“There is a question of what would happen if we take an MMA fighter and put him in with one of the best boxers of all time. That’s the argument in and of itself, because millions of people will buy pay-per-views to see that question be asked and answered. That wouldn’t happen if Floyd Mayweather crossed over into MMA.”
Former world champion Andre Berto believes a win for McGregor would be a blow to the entire boxing world. But for Hardy, it is more about how the sport is no longer considered as the premiere form of fighting.
“You’ve got to think that, up until the emergence of mixed martial arts, boxers were fighters,” Hardy explained. “If you were a boxer, you were considered a fighter, but now you’re not. If you’re a boxer, you’re a boxer, but if you’re an MMA practitioner, you are a fighter.”
“That’s a strong difference there, because a lot of people get into boxing for the tough guy aspect, which is kind of diminished now when there’s someone who can kick you in the leg, take you down and strangle you.”
“It immediately makes them realize how single-minded they’ve been in their approach,” Hardy added. “Not that that’s a problem, because if you choose to be a boxing specialist, I have no issue with that. But don’t claim to be a fighter when you’re only using your fists, because you’re lying to yourself and everybody else.”
Mayweather vs. McGregor is scheduled for 12 rounds on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.