After almost a year of endless teasing, the Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. crossover bout is finally set in stone.
READ: Mayweather, McGregor agree to August super fight
The much-anticipated announcement sent shock waves in social media, with fans and professional athletes alike sharing their two cents on one of the biggest matches ever in combat sports.
In true McGregor fashion, the Irish UFC lightweight champion reignited the rivalry by taking a jab at his counterpart’s age.
Man, much respect to Floyd Senior still getting a few rounds in at the gym. I hope I can still train at that age.
Respect. pic.twitter.com/Q2jv4Lffgd— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 13, 2017
THE FIGHT IS ON. pic.twitter.com/KhW0u3jRft
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 14, 2017
Pundits, meanwhile, are already questioning McGregor’s chances, this being his first professional boxing match. The fact that he’ll be facing an undefeated defensive tactician only made people doubt his chances of victory even more.
Mayweather v McGregor will last two rounds. Three, maybe, but only if Floyd wants it to. pic.twitter.com/iNe1T6Grzj
— Rob AF. (@RobForbesDJ) June 14, 2017
This won’t be good for anyone except for those making money off it. Terrible idea. Mayweather will work McGregor like a heavy bag. https://t.co/teaCRxdZbp
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) June 14, 2017
McGregor is going to get battered, I reckon. Tbf though, I’d let Mayweather knock me out for a few million. https://t.co/L03DBwoxF9
— Kirk McKeand (@MckKirk) June 14, 2017
Twelve rounds of defensive boxing with Connor throwing hard and missing a lot. The build up will be fun though! https://t.co/UpXY55x3OH
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) June 14, 2017
Several athletes, on the other hand, expressed their desire to participate in the historic card, including retired NFL-wide receiver Chad Johnson and UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miotic, who called out his boxing counterpart Anthony Joshua.
I want to fight on Mayweather-McGregor undercard
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 14, 2017
Hey @anthonyfjoshua let’s have a proper tussle and still have time for tea and crumpets before the main event! #MayweatherMcGregor
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) June 14, 2017
Elite female striker Chris “Cyborg” Justino also expressed her desire to face female boxing champion Cecilia Brækhus in the undercard.
Imagine @FloydMayweather vs @TheNotoriousMMA #MayweatherMcGregor with @criscyborg vs @1LadyCecilia on the #lasvegas event! @MayweatherPromo https://t.co/HLq18LYhDR
— #UFC214 #LetsGoChamp (@criscyborg) June 14, 2017
Others, meanwhile, weighed in on the blockbuster fight’s effect on boxing’s future. /ra
There’s no way Conor vs. Floyd on August 26 doesn’t hurt Canelo vs. GGG three weeks later. Mac vs. May is obviously the bigger fight.
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) June 14, 2017
Floyd/Pac had 4.4 million. I’ve seen estimates as high as 5.0 million for Mayweather-McGregor. seems like it will be close at least. https://t.co/FnukVWxw86
— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) June 14, 2017