GETTY Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr will fight on August 26
The internet went into meltdown on Wednesday when Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather finally confirmed a date had been set for them to fight. McGregor tweeted “the fight is on” in reference to the bout, while Mayweather revealed the date in an Instagram post. Mayweather, 40, is undefeated in his boxing career and could go 50-0 if he beats the Irishman.
The five-weight world champion will come out of retirement for the second time to face UFC champion McGregor, 28. He first hung up his gloves in 2008 after 39 fights and then again in 2015, after matching Rocky Marciano’s career record of 49 matches unbeaten. McGregor, who has never boxed professionally, had previously challenged Mayweather to fight under mixed marital arts rules.
Conor McGregor v Floyd Mayweather: A timeline of the superfight buildup Thu, May 18, 2017 Express Sport takes a look at the timeline leading up to a proposed superfight between UFC star Conor McGregor and retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Play slideshow CONOR McGREGOR 1 of 12 May 18, 2017: McGregor confirms he's signed a deal to fight Floyd Mayweather
UFC president Dana White, who negotiated terms for the southpaw, told ESPN that talks went “smoothly”. He added: “Floyd Mayweather surrounds himself with smart people and we got the deal done. The impossible deal is now done."
The impossible deal is now done Dana White, UFC president
The pair are both tipped to earn £78m ($100m) from the fight. Conor McGregor v Floyd Mayweather date The fighters will meet in the ring on August 26, 2017 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 12-round fight will be light-middle weight at 154lbs.
Conor McGregor v Floyd Mayweather odds Bookmakers have made Mayweather the favourite to win the bout, dismissing McGregor’s chances in a boxing match. Betting site Oddschecker give Mayweather 1/12 odds of a victory with McGregor a 6/1 outsider. Paddy Power are offering 40/1 odds of Mayweather knocking McGregor out in the first round.
GETTY Floyd Mayweather is undefeated in 49 fights