McGregor 'still the champ' despite Mayweather defeat, says Keane

Ryan Kelly

McGregor 'still the champ' despite Mayweather defeat, says Keane image

Conor McGregor may have lost to Floyd Mayweather in 'The Money Fight', but the Irish mixed martial artist is "still the champ" according to Robbie Keane.

McGregor suffered a TKO defeat to Mayweather in the highly anticipated boxing match, which took place in Las Vegas on August 26, with referee Robert Byrd calling a halt to the bout in the 10th round.

The reigning UFC lightweight champion was always viewed as a heavy underdog for the clash against Mayweather, who took his professional record to 50-0 with the win, surpassing Rocky Marciano's record in the process.

Personalities from across the sports and entertainment industries have since had their say on the outcome - some complimentary, some dismissive - and former Republic of Ireland international Keane is one of them.

 

Still the champ @thenotoriousmma

A post shared by Robbie Keane (@robbiekeane) on

The 37-year-old, who holds the record for most goals and appearances for Ireland with 68 goals in 146 caps, was pictured with McGregor during the fight after-party and has shared a post on his Instagram page featuring the two of them together with their partners.

Keane is in no doubt about his compatriot's status following the fight, simply writing: "Still the champ @thenotoriousmma"

Plenty of observers may not agree with the former Tottenham striker's view, but McGregor is strictly still a champion in the UFC and it looks likely that he will return to that realm in order to defend his belt.

Keane, meanwhile, is gearing up for a challenge of his own as he prepares for life in the Indian Super League, having signed for the division's champions Atletico de Kolkata at the beginning of August.

Ryan Kelly