UFC star Conor McGregor and undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather confirmed their boxing match recently. It is set to take place on August 26 in Las Vegas. In reality everyone knows this is a complete mismatch and that Mayweather will be expected to get the win. But McGregor has said for a long time that he will surprise the boxing world when the two clash.
There is no doubt that McGregor is one of the most respected athletes in the world and while he seems confident that he can hand Mayweather his first ever defeat, the Irishman will have to work a lot harder in the next two months if he is to do so.
Also read: Boxing fans should not rule out Conor McGregor just yet
Ever since talks of Mayweather and McGregor fighting inside a boxing ring came up, the UFC lightweight champion has wasted no time in getting himself ready for the fight. He has constantly posted videos and pictures of him training and was recently seen sparring with South African welterweight Chris van Heerden.
The South African posted a video on his Twitter account of the two of them sparring and based on what that video shows McGregor is going to get hammered by Mayweather. Some UFC fans believe that the Irishman has what it takes to defeat Mayweather but they might have to take their word back as Van Heerden toyed with him during their sparring session.
People telling me Mayweather will have his hands full trying to land on McGregor -STOP IT! I respect McGregor BUT i ain't Floyd and i landed pic.twitter.com/gd4dFi3XUU
— Chris van Heerden (@TheHeat001) 14 June 2017
While Van Heerden believes that McGregor has some boxing skills, he does not see him defeating the best boxer in the world.
"Conor showed me that he's got some boxing background. His counter lefthand was pretty good. What chance does he have against Mayweather, the best boxer in the world? A puncher's chance," The Washington Journal quoted van Heerden as saying.
"So he swings well; he swings a big shot. Maybe he lands it. That might seal it for him. But honestly, do I see Conor beat Mayweather, no, I don't."
Apart from Van Heerden, a number of other boxers have said McGregor will lose to Mayweather but Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone said he is rooting for the UFC lightweight champion. Stallone said a win for McGregor will be great for boxing and described him as a real life Rocky.
