LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather reflected Wednesday on what he said will definitely be the final bout of his storied career during the final press conference before his fight with Conor McGregor. He thanked his family, his fight team, Showtime Sports, UFC president Dana White and even McGregor for what he's accomplished so far and will continue to achieve as his career goes on.
But that didn't mean Mayweather was just going to be nice to his foe.
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Throughout the promotion, McGregor's been adamant he will finish Mayweather and recently stated he will do it inside one round. The undefeated fighter in 49 career fights gave one final warning to McGregor and what he thinks of his prediction.
“One thing about boxing and combat sports: Remember, if you give it, you must be able to take it,” Mayweather said. “With that being said, out of 47 opponents I faced, they said, ‘Oh, he’s got brittle opponents. He’s a scared opponent.’ Listen, last time I checked, nobody is walking me down. It’s called smarts. It’s called having an IQ. It’s called having patience.
“August 26th, he’s going to bring his best, and it’s not going to be easy, Conor. Remember, (Manny) Pacquiao got bombs, Canelo (Alvarez) got bombs, Shane Mosely had bombs, and all of those guys are going in the Hall of Fame. But one thing about me, I’ve got a granite chin. Remember this. The same way you give it, you have to be able to take it.”
Leading into the bout, many people have said Mayweather isn't taking McGregor seriously considering the 29-year-old has never competed in a boxing match. Mayweather dismissed the notion of such and knows one thing as he rides off into the sunset.
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“To be in the sport 21 years, I had to take it extremely seriously,” Mayweather said. “And for you guys who think that Saturday I’m not taking it serious, I’m taking this extremely serious. But when all is said and done, I know one thing: I can fight. I can give it, and I can take it. But for me to be 49-0, it’s obvious I’m not receiving it, I’m giving it."
Steven Muehlhausen is an MMA and boxing writer and contributor for Sporting News. You can listen to his podcast, "The Fight Junkies" here . You can email him at [email protected] and can find him on Twitter @SMuehlhausenMMA .
