So now we know a little more about a story that seemed outlandish earlier this year.
It is still outlandish. Conor McGregor, who swapped boxing for mixed martial arts in his teens, taking on Floyd Mayweather Jr, the greatest boxer of his generation.
We initially assumed it was two savvy businessmen playing the hype game.
However, both men have talked so much smack about each other that this bout could yet see the light of day.
McGregor told reporters after UFC 205, and his lightweight title win, that he had about 40 separate projects and plots on the go. One of them appears to be testing the waters with this crossover fight against Mayweather.
So far this week [and it’s only Thursday], we have had Mayweather refer to McGregor as ‘an ant’ and the Dubliner replied that he should ‘say it to my face’. The Notorious was not finished there. On Tuesday night in a New York nightclub, McGregor took the microphone and declared:
“Floyd’s not ready for this. Much respect for Floyd, he’s a solid businessman. What he has been able to do, he has been a f**king animal at what he has been able to do.
“But as far as real fighting – as far as true, pure, unarmed combat – Floyd does not want none of this. He does not want none of this.
“He wants it under boxing rules, he wants a boxing match. He doesn’t want to fight.
“Much respect to every one of you here. Give Floyd a shout; tell him I’m coming. Tell him to run around Showtime’s offices.
“I want $100 million, cash, to fight you under boxing rules, because he’s afraid of a real fight.”
Showtime, the boxing broadcasters, and Mayweather have been given their price if they want McGregor to strap up and get into the boxing ring.
This fight remains in the realm of fantasy but the talk, at least, is ramping up.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
