After exchanging trash talk between one another for two years, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather defeated Ultimate Fighting champion Conor McGregor via technical knockout in round 10 of the most hyped boxing match in recent history.
Remarkably, Mayweather’s victory not only cemented his sterling 50-0 record and an unblemished boxing legacy, but it also proved most of the people who watched the fight know little about boxing.
This was evidenced by spectators immediately complaining about the fight’s “controversial ending.”
After absorbing a bevy of shots from Mayweather in the 10th round, McGregor wobbled his way to the ropes.
Mayweather followed and kept constant pressure on his exhausted opponent. The official called the fight shortly after, much to the dismay of fans who were itching to see a lifeless body hit the canvas.
If that’s what people want, they should tune in to either a UFC fight or one of the ”Real Housewives” affiliates, but don’t expect to see that type of brutality in the boxing world.
McGregor didn’t seem to have the wherewithal to put up a measly glove to defend against Mayweather’s late barrage, and fights that reach the brink of getting out of hand will be called in the boxing world more often than not.
To disregard that fact is to disregard the sport’s rules of engagement and basic foundation of civility.
The fight’s resolution struck a nerve with viewers, the majority of which were only watching to see if McGregor could dethrone Mayweather at his own game.
These fans brought their pocketbooks, and The New York Post’s Howie Kussoy reported that 89 percent of all bets were in McGregor’s favor.
Despite heavy odds on his side, most experts believed that the chances of McGregor defeating Mayweather were slim.
Then, McGregor did the unthinkable. He competed with Mayweather for 10 rounds and won more rounds against the undefeated champ than some of Mayweather’s previous opponents.
The fight’s stoppage seemed premature to a majority of those financially invested, and their monetary losses soured what will be looked back on as a truly quality fight.
McGregor was able to go toe-to-toe against a man who has been literally unstoppable in his career, and it was his first time boxing professionally.
It’s a true rarity to see a person or team with a 0-0 record compete well against against another person or team with a 49-0 record regardless of the sport or competition, and I have a feeling it will be a while before we see a similar feat.
The fight was exciting to watch, and I believe it lived up to its billing. It’s too bad few care due to a poor understanding of the sport.
