Conor McGregor opens up on respect for Floyd Mayweather

Conor McGregor has predicted he will knock-out Floyd Mayweather inside two rounds in Las Vegas on August 26th, as he also responded to claims that he used a racial slur to attack his opponent during last month’s controversial media tour.

In a media conference call, McGregor opened up on a host of burning issues, as he gave his verdict on news that both fighters will use eight ounce gloves for their Las Vegas showdown and also revealed the fight is on course to become the richest in boxing history.

Speaking politely to reporters and not engaging in any vulgar snipes as he patiently answered questions, McGregor suggested the claims from boxing experts that he has no chance of beating Mayweather is acting as his chief motivation ahead of his boxing debut.

“I get my fair share of hate and my fair share of love. Look at every boxing analyst, it is like I have been discarded, like I am not welcome in this sport,” he declared. “This disregard for my skillset…I look at people so many times and their mind is closed. It is a set way and there is no other way.

“If that is the case, we would never have reached across the water in search of other lands. Or reached into space. You have got to have an open mind and you have to give respect to other disciplines and other styles.

“When I hear the way they carry on and the disrespect, I see it as motivation. I’m looking forward to August 26th and earning respect in this game also.

“The public know what they are witnessing here. This is a special event and I am very excited about it.

“Now that we are wearing gloves at eight ounces, I don’t believe he makes it out of the second round. I do not see him absorbing the blows in the first two rounds.

“I’m ready to go to war for the full 12 round and I’m ready to put him away in the first ten seconds. That where my head’s at.”

Meanwhile, McGregor has moved to dispel reports that he uttered racial slurs in Mayweather’s during the the media tour to promote their eagerly anticipated fight.

McGregor was criticised for shouting ‘dance for me boy’ in Mayweather’s direction during what were four-days of high octane media appearances last month, with the Dubliner clearly keen to move on from one of the more unsavoury sideshows around this fight.

“There may be people on both sides who see this as black vs white and this is something I do not condone,” he declared

“This is two fine athletes about to take part in an amazing event and that’s it on my end.

“I’m disappointed to hear the way it is portrayed sometimes, but this is the nature of the game. I just want to put on a show for the fans who are supporting this great event. “It is what it is. For me this is see this as athlete vs athlete.”

Despite the controversy over McGregor’s comments and ridicule poured on his attempt to beat sporting legend Mayweather on his professional boxing debut, the Dubliner has releaved the fight is on course to break the record breaking income generated by Mayweather’s fight with Manny Pacquiao in May 2015.

“It’s all pointing to record breaking numbers all across the board,” he added. “From the gate, to the sponsorships to the pay-per-view. I’m very happy with how it has gone. I have handled it better than anyone involved once again. “I will be happy when this is all done. I am going to Ibiza as my friend is getting married and then I will go to my yacht and I will begin the counting game. Then I will build up to my fortune. That’s my plan.”