Patrick Canning | Sports Editor
Jack Mitchell-Divers | Editor-In-Chief
After an immense run up filled with anticipation, excitement, copious flaunting and their fair share of slander, ‘The Money Fight’ concluded in a 10 round Technical-Knock-Out by Floyd Mayweather.
With McGregor looking to clinch an early round advantage – utilizing his height, reach and power – the UFC Lightweight champion opened with heavy blows to Mayweather in an attempt at an early KO.
The Irishman’s luck soon appeared to fade as the rounds moved on. By the fourth, McGregor was visibly fatigued. With weaker strikes and sluggish reactions, the taller, broader, slower fighter began to succumb to his own prior advantage.
Mayweather, whilst maintaining an emboldened composure, closed the fight in. Harassing his opponent with quick jabs strong hits, the match was evidently in the boxing legend’s favour. Upon the start of the sixth, the outcome of the bout was inevitable.
McGregor’s ultimatum was an inevitable long-game loss. The more proficient, experienced fighter punctuated rounds with an aggressive flair, and ended them with a grin.
The end for the Irishman, beset in the ninth, arrived in the tenth. Appearing wobbly and exhausted, it was until the final blows landed on McGregor’s bearded chin that the referee intervened – declaring a TKO.
The aftermath of the bout revealed unexpected sportsmanship from both corners. Remaining proud of his toe-to-toe, Mayweather however conceded that his opponent proved an unanticipated challenge. To enter another sport and challenge the undisputed king is outright boldness – just what McGregor thrives upon.
This bout gained the title of ‘The Money Fight’ for good reason.
Before stepping into the ring, Mayweather was guaranteed a minimum of $100 million. McGregor on the other hand, waltzed out the ring with a handsome sum of at least $30 million. This means both Mayweather and McGregor earned $3.5 million and $1 million per minute, respectively – that’s nearly $60k per second for the winner.
In the time that it has taken you to read this paragraph so far, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather has raked in just under $733,000.
This however, does not take into account pay-per view sales. Those watching the fight paid a hefty $99(£76). $400 million of revenue was made in Mayweather’s last fight against Manny Pacquiao and this matchup is expected to top that number significantly. These profits will be split between the fighters with 70-75% going to Mayweather.
This fight has transformed the world of contact sport. The lavish entertainment the fighters have produced in each of their disciplines has fused into a unique, exciting event.
We have witnessed the evolution of success. It is not of further achievement, but a facade of lucrative eminence laden with moral depravity.
