The "Freak Show" at old Palisades Park was not as grotesque or as inhumane as this proposed fight. In the UFC, McGregor is considered a good striker, but he pales in comparison to a true boxer, certainly some one like Mayweather, no matter how old he might be. At Palisades Park, you did get something for your money, even if it was the lesson "never to do that again." I would suspect that the fans that show and pay will have a similar feeling, though, after this "fight."
6
Save your money and buy the GGG vs. Canelo fight in a few weeks.
1
This is about as competitive as a water polo athlete racing a 100m freestyle specialist in the 100m freestyle, or a marathoner challenging a sprinter, to sprinting. MM is an exceptional boxer and will destroy McGregor in boxing.
If this event would have been a fight rather than a boxing match, McGregor would destroy MM.
This match should never have been made, but money is all that matters, and all talk of safety, etc., is simply BS. Nobody, including those fighting, care about anything but the money, period.
If this event would have been a fight rather than a boxing match, McGregor would destroy MM.
This match should never have been made, but money is all that matters, and all talk of safety, etc., is simply BS. Nobody, including those fighting, care about anything but the money, period.
2
To all those who are calling for boxing and/or MMA to be banned: no one is forcing the athletes to participate. Why should they be prevented from doing what they enjoy? Some people are injured or die from drinking, driving, skiing, mountain climbing, etc. We regulate some of those activities generally to prevent harm from befalling bystanders; when was a non-participant hurt by a boxing or MMA bout? Just because you don't like these sports doesn't mean they should be banned. Imagine if someone tried to ban something you like that involved no risk to third-parties. I don't enjoy watching sports, but I wouldn't ban these two. Similarly, there are many books I don't like, but I wouldn't ban them. You people are totalitarians.
5
I'm only a casual observer of boxing, but I'm old enough to remember Benny Paret dying in the ring back in the early 1960s - and he was a world-class fighter. It's only in recent years, with the advent of high-definition and super slow-motion, that viewers have an opportunity to see the damage that a punch or series of punches does - routine jabs that land produce amazingly grotesque facial distortions to the recipient that are almost invisible to the naked eye. What separates great boxers from everybody else is a combination of attributes - being able to take a punch is one thing that everybody is aware of but probably more important is that the combination of hand-speed and learning how to deliver punches properly - in other words, technique.
I was always taught that the only thing preventing boxers from routinely killing each other was being forced to wear gloves - the weight of the gloves serves to slow down the hand-speed of the boxers and at the same time cushion the force of the punch and here NV has sanctioned a fight with lighter gloves - the 2oz reduction in glove weight is an enormous differential.
I was always taught that the only thing preventing boxers from routinely killing each other was being forced to wear gloves - the weight of the gloves serves to slow down the hand-speed of the boxers and at the same time cushion the force of the punch and here NV has sanctioned a fight with lighter gloves - the 2oz reduction in glove weight is an enormous differential.
2
McGregor versus Mayweather is the same as Trump versus Clinton... It shouldn't have happened, the country suffers daily and its the Apprentice White House edition. Help me please. I fear McGregor should not fight Merriweather because he may be fatally injured. Feels like a metaphor for 2017 to me.
3
When will this barbarity end?
How many boxers have to be permanently injured (like Mohammed Ali) or die from this so-called "sport?"
Shame on the NY Times for continuing treating it as such.
It is not risk-taking like basketball, football, soccer or hockey.
Boxers expect to be hit hard by other professionals who are expert in hurting their opponents.
Muhammed Ali once said,
"I like to beat up people."
Champion boxer Rocky Marciano said it all about boxing:
"I get paid for beating up people."
People magazine quoted Welterweight boxing champion, Sugar Ray Leonard who said at a benefit.
“We're all given some sort of skill in life. Mine happens to be beating up people.”
Granted other sports have bloody mayhem but that is simply a side bonus for the crowd not the main event.
How can you shower praise on a Joe Frazier or any person whose goal is to mash in the face and destroy the body of his opponent?
Champion boxer Mike Tyson bit off the ear of his opponent Evander Holyfield. Where is the "sport" in this? These are not the actions of so called "warriors" but those of berserk "Roman gladiators."
Joe Frazier's trainer, “the legendary Eddie Futch, [who] had seen four men die in the squared circle…”
Duk-Koo Kim died after fighting with Ray Mancini in 1982.
6
Why aren't Animal Rights organizations picketing every boxing event?
Does the Human Animal have less rights than a domestic creature or one of the wild?
Why does the New York Times not eliminate any journalism to do with this vicious, barbaric, so called "sport."
This is not far removed from the Roman gladiators—except we expect deaths instead of demanding them.
For shame!
Does the Human Animal have less rights than a domestic creature or one of the wild?
Why does the New York Times not eliminate any journalism to do with this vicious, barbaric, so called "sport."
This is not far removed from the Roman gladiators—except we expect deaths instead of demanding them.
For shame!
7
Why do I think NYT is an active participant in the hype?
4
The association of ringside physicians are demonstrating their hypocrisy by saying this fight should not proceed. Any physician who signs up to proclaim a fighter healthy, so that he can go into the ring and get pummeled, is betraying the Hippocratic oath. It's very similar to the physicians who took part in the torture of suspects after 9/11.
6
This "entertainment" is most definitely NOT about the "skills" of the combatants. It is, as it has always been, simply about money. It's a 21st century gladiatorial contest, pure and simple, garnering huge pay-per-view dollars. It's a show.
Any considerations for the physical damage the fighters may suffer means NOTHING to the promoters, nor to the paying public.
Any considerations for the physical damage the fighters may suffer means NOTHING to the promoters, nor to the paying public.
3
Adam Berlin has thoughtfully addressed this safety issue in his piece at boxing.com:
http://www.boxing.com/a_roman_thumbs_down_for_conor_mcgregor.html
http://www.boxing.com/a_roman_thumbs_down_for_conor_mcgregor.html
I'm a big fan of boxing but in the case of this particular "sporting event", I've not had much reason to become interested in it. In the same way that I don't have any interest in watching a wrestling match between the two current reigning World Wrestling Watever champions. It's theatre, albeit bad theatre, and people are being conned and they probably know it, but will pay anyways because it's summer and there's not a whole lot more to do.
3
It's all about money, big money. That's what so-called professional boxing has always been about. The risk to the opponent's health has never been a factor and never will be while those who promote such savagery in pursuit of big money are allowed to continue to do so.
2
Muhammad Ali. It was just over a year ago that the world lost what was considered by most to be the greatest boxer ever. Whether Parkinson's was caused by years of being pummeled is still debated by the medical community.
We do know one match can kill a man. We also know that Muhammad Ali was a vibrant, articulate and robust man. Until he wasn't.
Forget Mayweather. He will be fine. McGregor, I can only hope that a responsible referee and lots of good luck will protect your mind in a way that it didn't others.
We do know one match can kill a man. We also know that Muhammad Ali was a vibrant, articulate and robust man. Until he wasn't.
Forget Mayweather. He will be fine. McGregor, I can only hope that a responsible referee and lots of good luck will protect your mind in a way that it didn't others.
3
"Erik Magraken, a lawyer who publishes the blog Combat Sports Law, questioned whether Nevada regulators were able to put fighters’ safety first when they profited from the events themselves."
Valid point. Very Valid Point!
Valid point. Very Valid Point!
4
Lighter/smaller gloves do not result in "more powerful punches". Nor do they result in more serious injuries. The risk of death and serious brain injury is far greater in boxing than MMA as larger gloves spread the force across the head resulting in more brain shaking and acceleration against the skull.
Gloves are meant to protect the hands. They do not protect the brain. Smaller gloves or no gloves result in: 1) greater risk of hand injury and superficial yet gory facial injuries (cuts, blood, etc) 2) a more judicious use of strikes and power as a poorly thrown or too powerful a punch can break the hand and 3) far less risk of traumatic brain injury (this is not to say the risk is low, but lower than boxing).
Gloves are meant to protect the hands. They do not protect the brain. Smaller gloves or no gloves result in: 1) greater risk of hand injury and superficial yet gory facial injuries (cuts, blood, etc) 2) a more judicious use of strikes and power as a poorly thrown or too powerful a punch can break the hand and 3) far less risk of traumatic brain injury (this is not to say the risk is low, but lower than boxing).
1
Despite all of the safety concerns, the fight is on.
I have no idea as to its outcome, but I will be very surprised if McGregor wins. These two men have made this fight into a verbal jousting match that will be decided with eight ounce gloves. All we can hope for is that there are no serious injuries and that the referee has the presence of mind to stop the fight if necessary.
I have no idea as to its outcome, but I will be very surprised if McGregor wins. These two men have made this fight into a verbal jousting match that will be decided with eight ounce gloves. All we can hope for is that there are no serious injuries and that the referee has the presence of mind to stop the fight if necessary.
2
This article is pure hype.To question whether MacGregor will be safe is absolutely absurd and renders the story to part of the promotional process.
MacGregor has been fighting forever and MMA is tougher than pure boxing. His physical conditioning is second to none and though his pure boxing experience is limited, compared to Mayweather's, everyone else's is too.
MacGregor may be overmatched in the pure boxing skill department, but the fight itself will probably be less dangerous than the fights he's accustomed to in the MMA.
With a "puncher's chance" , MacGregor should still go down to Mayweather's experience in seven rounds.
MacGregor has been fighting forever and MMA is tougher than pure boxing. His physical conditioning is second to none and though his pure boxing experience is limited, compared to Mayweather's, everyone else's is too.
MacGregor may be overmatched in the pure boxing skill department, but the fight itself will probably be less dangerous than the fights he's accustomed to in the MMA.
With a "puncher's chance" , MacGregor should still go down to Mayweather's experience in seven rounds.
5
The statement that the safety of the fighters is paramount is patently ridiculous. Boxing is an activity that is culminated by a boxer suffering a severe enough concussion to render him unconscious. It's also an activity absent selling tickets, an arena and a prize would be considered a felony on the streets. Why no let gunfights take place for the pleasure of the audience? It should not be allowed to happen at all.
This ad.. ahem.. "story".. paid for by Showtime PPV events. Showtime! Why settle for HBO's fake blood when you can watch something even doctors condemn?!
1
So much is made of blows to the head in football, yet nothing is done to prohibit boxing in which the goal is to bash the head of the opponent.
1
Of course it's only about the money. C'mon.
And mcgregor can't use his feet? Maybe merryweather should have one hand tied bihind his back.
And mcgregor can't use his feet? Maybe merryweather should have one hand tied bihind his back.
Physicians sanctioning brain damage as entertainment. Every boxing match and MMS match is a recipe for closed head injuries, full stop. The equivocation by Nevada and the physicians is breathtaking.
1
More tickets will be purchased for this fight because of this article. Look for a future marketing ploy of hyping injury/death risk.
The UFC is privately owned by WME-IMG group, prior to that it was owned by the Fertitta brothers and Dana White who created (Zuffa LLC). Correct me if I'm wrong. In my opinion, these extreme martial arts matches are like the WWE "PRO" wrestling matches- they're predetermined. Money talks even to the Nevada Commission. I think when big money is flashed in their eyes, they bend or break the rules. Nothing has changed in my opinion with these so-called pro sports, i.e. boxing, wrestling, now extreme martial arts. How about some "Roller Ball" everyone. Bring back the gladiators will you? People don't care, they just want to see blood and gore and violence, yet at the same time were at "War" with crazy terrorists around the world.. Hypocrites aren't we? Or just plain looney?
The caption of your photo of the defunct Tim Hague reads "Tim Hague, left, a mixed martial arts fighter turned boxer, fought Joey Beltran in May, above. In June, Hague sustained fatal injuries in a bout against Adam Braidwood in Edmonton, Alberta. It was Hague’s fourth pro boxing match after competing in 34 M.M.A. fights." This is misleading. First, it makes it seem like Hague was taking trauma one month after another. He did fight Braidwood and Beltran in the months you state, but several years apart. It should also be noted that the Beltran fight wasn't one of his boxing bouts--they fought in MMA.
When anyone fights Mayweather, they stay out of his wheelhouse. That's why he hasn't knocked anyone out in almost 10 years. There is no reason for McGregor to do anything different. Mayweather will badly outbox McGregor. But he's unlikely to land many direct hits. There is absolutely no reason for McGregor to get in the way of a Mayweather haymaker. And he's smart enough to know that. Those out to protect him assume he's an idiot. Mixed martial arts require lots of skills. McGregor is big boy. He knows how to protect himself.
4
Looks like McGregor is going to "take one for the state (and commission)"
The only "sport" worse than boxing is MMA. Mayweather owns a huge stake in this event. The perverse incentive is for him to somehow miraculously lose. Then, the rematch. It's all terrible and ugly.
It's long past time for America to stop amusing itself by watching overdeveloped atavistic males give each other irreversible brain damage.
1
Quote:
Bennett denied that the commission was putting its finances ahead of fighter safety.
End Quote
What a joke! While Mr. Bennett could be telling the truth it should be obvious to anyone that can think the potential for thoughts of revenue to alter the thought process when you are receiving a piece of the action. It is an inherent conflict of interest and revenue heading to the group should not be part of the picture.
Bennett denied that the commission was putting its finances ahead of fighter safety.
End Quote
What a joke! While Mr. Bennett could be telling the truth it should be obvious to anyone that can think the potential for thoughts of revenue to alter the thought process when you are receiving a piece of the action. It is an inherent conflict of interest and revenue heading to the group should not be part of the picture.
1
McGregor may be younger and stronger, but MMA style street fighting is much different from boxing, a sport that requires a great deal of skill.
I agree with the physicians, McGregor could get killed (literally), this is a bad idea.
I agree with the physicians, McGregor could get killed (literally), this is a bad idea.
Advertorial?
Very very few comments here by people who have even the barest knowledge of combat sports. And most of those, while perceptive, seem neddlessly apologetic.
2
A completey ridiculous spectacle dreamed up purely for the pay-day. Boxing and MMA are two completely different skillsets, which any fule kno. I foresee McGregor winning in an upset and Mayweather being 'furious' at his 'stolen' victory, demanding a rematch ASAP to get satisfaction. Cue another billion dollar spectacle with all the usual brouhaha and promotional baloney, playing gullible fools for suckers. It's all a set-up. What a sad debacle the once great sport of boxing has become.
Boxing is silly. Pointless. Idiotic. Whatever.
Boxing is a cesspool. There's no real surprise, is there?
All this decadence while we are destroying life on Earth.
5
I have never been interested in following MMA fighting, and am not much of a supporter of watching people beat each other up for enjoyment. Hearing the amount this upcoming fight between Mayweather and Mcgregor is discussed is unbelievable due to the fact that everyone is fascinated by it. But in all honesty, what is the point? One of the fighters is going to get badly injured, as said in the article. They are not at the same level of fighting at this point, endangering them even more. Yes, they are professionals who know what they are doing, but I still don't agree with the sport of boxing and MMA fighting. The possibilities are fearful. It is wrong to put two big names against each other for the money coming from it and the fact that everyone will get a kick out of watching two men possibly hurt each other. This article caught my attention, simply because it highlights the fact that this fight is a bad idea.
1
I love this, FIGHTS. The blood, guts, and glory. Well, no guts because this isn't the gladiators, hahaha. More like blood and glory. Connor is a great MMA fighter, but boxing isn't his strongest style of fighting. He may be young, fast with lots of energy, and built like steel to hits. But picking his first fight against Floyd, a legit boxing CHAMPION. I think Connor will bleed. I fear this fight will end in a brutal beating for Conner. BUT, I'm still with Conner because I think he is full of surprises and has the ability to succeed.
1
“As a regulator, I take offense to the fact that we’re approving this fight for fiduciary reasons,” Bennett said.
Wow, by using the word "fact" (instead of allegation) I think Bennet may have just confirmed this is all about money, albeit unintentionally. Calling Dr. Freud!
Wow, by using the word "fact" (instead of allegation) I think Bennet may have just confirmed this is all about money, albeit unintentionally. Calling Dr. Freud!
6
Fighting in my opinion is quite essential for people to watch because of the simple fact that humans enjoy to see other humans fight. McGregor will sadly lose to Mayweather. It will be an easy fight for Floyd to win not only because in my opinion he is more experienced, his footwork is better as well.
2
Hand-to-hand combat is the one of the purest and most dynamic expressions of human agility, speed, and power. Watching two equally matched elite fighters employ their endless hours of training can be like watching a beautiful dance. Fighting speaks to our primordial nature - a living embodiment of the struggle that is life.
That being said, I do feel that the McGregor-Mayweather fight is something of an anomaly. They say "styles make fights", but we can forget about stylistic differences - boxing and MMA are two COMPLETELY different sports! This would be the equivalent of an NFL player jumping into a professional rugby match after only a few months of training, or an MLB player trying his hand at cricket for a laugh.
Rather than a display of two equally matched martial artists, I feel the organizers/promoters have turned this fight into merely a Pay-Per-View spectacle. The focus should be on the sport, not the personalities, and that's
really not possible when the athletes come from two different disciplines.
That being said, I do feel that the McGregor-Mayweather fight is something of an anomaly. They say "styles make fights", but we can forget about stylistic differences - boxing and MMA are two COMPLETELY different sports! This would be the equivalent of an NFL player jumping into a professional rugby match after only a few months of training, or an MLB player trying his hand at cricket for a laugh.
Rather than a display of two equally matched martial artists, I feel the organizers/promoters have turned this fight into merely a Pay-Per-View spectacle. The focus should be on the sport, not the personalities, and that's
really not possible when the athletes come from two different disciplines.
14
I do not find this to be a fair point. Boxing and MMA are not 2 completely different sports, neither are MLB/cricket and rugby/NFL. You say it's just a PPV spectacle as they come from 2 different disciplines but we see this on every UFC card, kickboxers coming up against grapplers, but these are amazing fights.
The sports above definitely share core similarities; a personal experience of this is a guy I used to play Gaelic football with at underage level (Michael Quinn From Longford, he was elite, nobody could touch him... he left Ireland to play Aussie rules in Australia and broke out onto the first team there in a couple of months). My point being if you are an elite athlete, it only takes a couple of months to make slight changes to your game.
Boxing is now a core fundamental of MMA, long gone are the days where the Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioners can walk into the cage with no boxing experience and come away with a win. This coupled with the fact that everybody is forgetting McGregor is an Irish amateur boxing champion, practiced boxing for years before he took up MMA, and his boxing is one of his most dangerous weapons in the Octagon.
They do say "styles make fights" and I believe these 2 styles will explode in spectacular fashion. We have the world's greatest defensive boxer who has had trouble with Southpaws in the past coming up against a fighter with a style he has never experienced before and one which he cannot prepare for.
This will be an interesting fight.
The sports above definitely share core similarities; a personal experience of this is a guy I used to play Gaelic football with at underage level (Michael Quinn From Longford, he was elite, nobody could touch him... he left Ireland to play Aussie rules in Australia and broke out onto the first team there in a couple of months). My point being if you are an elite athlete, it only takes a couple of months to make slight changes to your game.
Boxing is now a core fundamental of MMA, long gone are the days where the Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioners can walk into the cage with no boxing experience and come away with a win. This coupled with the fact that everybody is forgetting McGregor is an Irish amateur boxing champion, practiced boxing for years before he took up MMA, and his boxing is one of his most dangerous weapons in the Octagon.
They do say "styles make fights" and I believe these 2 styles will explode in spectacular fashion. We have the world's greatest defensive boxer who has had trouble with Southpaws in the past coming up against a fighter with a style he has never experienced before and one which he cannot prepare for.
This will be an interesting fight.
Many of these comments question why a civilized person of the 21st century would enjoy watching gladiatorial events in which two people attempt to inflict physical and cognitive damage on one another. While I will admit that boxing and UFC can be violent, and at times barbaric, I do understand their appeal.
Combat sports are the purest form of of human competition between two people. When a person steps in the ring, octagon, etc. they must find a way to defeat their opponent using only their physical skills and wit. Other sports involve “noise” that tarnishes the purity of competition. In NASCAR, equipment quality is of the utmost importance. In soccer, the actions of one’s teammates largely determines the success of each individual. In track and field, each event tests a competitor’s ability in one skill and ignores all others.
Combat sports are stripped of this noise and allow the viewer to experience unadulterated competition between two people.
Combat sports are the purest form of of human competition between two people. When a person steps in the ring, octagon, etc. they must find a way to defeat their opponent using only their physical skills and wit. Other sports involve “noise” that tarnishes the purity of competition. In NASCAR, equipment quality is of the utmost importance. In soccer, the actions of one’s teammates largely determines the success of each individual. In track and field, each event tests a competitor’s ability in one skill and ignores all others.
Combat sports are stripped of this noise and allow the viewer to experience unadulterated competition between two people.
5
Actually humans are not civilized yet as far as I can tell by the recent news.
2
This freak show is the ultimate 'millennialization' of sports (what's next, the Yankees being challenged by a cricket team?). And McGregor is the epitome of a generation whose social-mediated bravado exceeds their actual ability. I cannot WAIT to see Mayweather mop the floor with his blood.
3
I hope you are not right.
So Nate, you don't respect it, but you're willing to drop a C-note to watch it?
What's the old poker rule? Oh, yeah, "If you look around the table and you can't find the sucker, it's you!
What's the old poker rule? Oh, yeah, "If you look around the table and you can't find the sucker, it's you!
1
Why are you so frustrated about the fight, if you are excited to see it happen? Also, what on earth has this got to do with millenials? What are you hoping to achieve by channeling your frustrations into a make-believe problem, then blaming billions of people for that problem?
1
Against a young Floyd Mayweather McGregor would be in great danger. This isn't a young Mayweather. He's 40 and his speed, power and movement isn't what it once was.
Who wins? Who cares?
All this stuff about someone getting hurt is part of the hype. This isn't Clay/Liston or Ali/Frazier. This is more like Johnson against the wrestling bear. It's a made for profit event with a has been boxer against a never was brawler.
Cheers reruns anyone?
Who wins? Who cares?
All this stuff about someone getting hurt is part of the hype. This isn't Clay/Liston or Ali/Frazier. This is more like Johnson against the wrestling bear. It's a made for profit event with a has been boxer against a never was brawler.
Cheers reruns anyone?
10
Never been in the ring fighting the worlds best. How could this happen but for simple greed and bloodlust.
7
The insincerity of the guys in Washington, DC remind me of ancient Rome. It's only appropriate to have gladiator style entertainment to match.
2
There is really nothing civil or good about this fight.
6
“As a regulator, I take offense to the fact that we’re approving this fight for fiduciary reasons,” Bennett said. “That’s totally unfair, and it’s simply not true.”
You take offense to "the fact"?
.....is that a confession?
You take offense to "the fact"?
.....is that a confession?
22
Bennett just stole the "unfair" line from Trump.
Sounds as if the next cabinet replacement might come from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Sounds as if the next cabinet replacement might come from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
? Please explain:
Bennett brings to mind the saying: "The lady doth protest too much"
1
As a repentant former boxer, I'm sorry but not at all surprised to see this spectacle, this mismatch, being staged. And theater it is, although the blood will be real -- and, unless the fix is in -- all McGregor's.
While he is an exceptional, gifted, and tough athlete, Colin McGregor is not a boxer. His boxing skills are extremely crude compared to Mayweather's. While I don't care for Floyd's personality or demeanor out of the ring, I concede that he's the finest technical boxer of his generation. I would be surprised if McGregor lands any telling blows in the match and hope he does not get severely injured.
Of course, the converse is true: Mayweather would have equally little chance if he was going to fight McGregor using MMA rules. He would be equally out of his element and totally inexperienced. He would immediately be taken to the mat, pummled, choked out, and counted out in short order.
Colin McGregor's attempt to cross over into boxing with no experience in the sport makes me think of Michael Jordan, arguably the finest all-around athlete of his era, who was a miserable failure in his attempt to play professional baseball. Fans --and sometimes athletes --have little realistic understanding of how good the elite performers (dancers or musicians, etc) in other fields are at what they do, because often they make it look so easy. But in this case, I think McGregor's fans and the $$$ have convinced the young man he can beat the odds. I doubt that he can come close.
While he is an exceptional, gifted, and tough athlete, Colin McGregor is not a boxer. His boxing skills are extremely crude compared to Mayweather's. While I don't care for Floyd's personality or demeanor out of the ring, I concede that he's the finest technical boxer of his generation. I would be surprised if McGregor lands any telling blows in the match and hope he does not get severely injured.
Of course, the converse is true: Mayweather would have equally little chance if he was going to fight McGregor using MMA rules. He would be equally out of his element and totally inexperienced. He would immediately be taken to the mat, pummled, choked out, and counted out in short order.
Colin McGregor's attempt to cross over into boxing with no experience in the sport makes me think of Michael Jordan, arguably the finest all-around athlete of his era, who was a miserable failure in his attempt to play professional baseball. Fans --and sometimes athletes --have little realistic understanding of how good the elite performers (dancers or musicians, etc) in other fields are at what they do, because often they make it look so easy. But in this case, I think McGregor's fans and the $$$ have convinced the young man he can beat the odds. I doubt that he can come close.
32
This is revolting. Twenty first century version of the gladiator pit.
6
It's unlikely that Nevada casinos with heavily profit from this boxing match. MGM has already sent out a distress signal that the bettors heavily favor McGregor and that if he wins they and every other casino with a sport book will take a bath.
2
Oh, let's drum up a little more business for this match, shall we?
4
Would rather see Trump and McConnell go at but this could be brutally satisfying.
3
There are plenty of good things that can be said about boxing, believe it or not: Many boxing gyms, unbeknownst to many readers of the NY Times, save lives. While wealthy white people find boxing yucky and violent, it is a lot less violent than kids getting shot for their gang activity, and sports like soccer and lacrosse don't tend to draw much interest in the hood. Boxing does. And good boxing gyms are those that address more than a kid's athletic skills. Check out the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit, where kids get academic tutoring, vocational guidance, and field trips, serving kids who would not be served at all by those who condemn the sport as uncouth. But this particular boxing event is a gimmick and a sham and it disrespects boxing's heritage. This fight never should have been sanctioned and those involved should be ashamed.
14
This fight should never have been sanctioned.
2
The truth is this fight was allowed for fiduciary reasons, offensive or not.
3
As a regulator, I take offense to the fact that we’re approving this fight for fiduciary reasons." A malapropism worthy of Abbot & Costello or The Three Stooges. Actually, the objection is that the fight's being approved for reasons of financial gain implicates a breach of fiduciary duty
6
Yeah Sue, I resemble that remark !! (its malapropism central here )
Still I agree, its practically a Freudian slip he made there. As a Dubliner I fear for my fellow Irishman in this mismatch. The public imagination seems so childlike lately. We make films like "Batman vs Superman" - surely this is the product of a conversation between 9 year old boys. Then we go one step further and put the incarnation of our real life heroes in to the crucible. We elect a child to high office and expect him to behave like an adult. Dark times beget dark entertainment. Look at the dance marathons of 1930s Depression America; feats of endurance and misery. This spectacle is surely the equivalent in our depressed era.
Still I agree, its practically a Freudian slip he made there. As a Dubliner I fear for my fellow Irishman in this mismatch. The public imagination seems so childlike lately. We make films like "Batman vs Superman" - surely this is the product of a conversation between 9 year old boys. Then we go one step further and put the incarnation of our real life heroes in to the crucible. We elect a child to high office and expect him to behave like an adult. Dark times beget dark entertainment. Look at the dance marathons of 1930s Depression America; feats of endurance and misery. This spectacle is surely the equivalent in our depressed era.
1
People are paying their hard-earned money to watch these two men attempt to beat the living daylights out of each other? As P.T. Barnum famously observed, "There's a sucker born every minute".
4
That quote is attributed to Barnum, but there is no evidence that he ever said that.
1
The Irish Lad is going to crush him inside of 3 rounds. The real payday ( believe it or not ) is going to be for the rematch on McGregor's terms.
Heard it 'ere first.
Heard it 'ere first.
5
Why be concerned for the safety of the Gladiators?
What the paying public who sustains this industry really wants is the gloves to come off altogether.
Boxing & mixed-martial-arts enthusiasts secretly want the combatants to be armed with tridents & daggers & fight to the bloody death in some caged thunderdome.
Fight matches like these should be banned, sent the way of cockfights & dogfights.
Enthusiasts of sport fighting should be made to confront their serious emotional & antisocial personality problem that compels them to seek entertainment in brutality.
If people must find ways to combat safely, bring back the Robot Wars, let drones destroy eachother like Transformers.
At least then there would be some technical progress achieved through this bloodlust & intelligence & inventiveness celebrated over brutality.
What the paying public who sustains this industry really wants is the gloves to come off altogether.
Boxing & mixed-martial-arts enthusiasts secretly want the combatants to be armed with tridents & daggers & fight to the bloody death in some caged thunderdome.
Fight matches like these should be banned, sent the way of cockfights & dogfights.
Enthusiasts of sport fighting should be made to confront their serious emotional & antisocial personality problem that compels them to seek entertainment in brutality.
If people must find ways to combat safely, bring back the Robot Wars, let drones destroy eachother like Transformers.
At least then there would be some technical progress achieved through this bloodlust & intelligence & inventiveness celebrated over brutality.
7
Two things everyone should know by now about Mayweather. He only steps into the ring to make lots of money and only when he thinks he's sure to win handily.
1
The only way this makes sense, and any time the goal of a game is to give some one a concussion makes NO sense, is that after a month rest, Mayweather then had to fight McGregor MMA style. Then we could see who is the better fighter. From what little I know when I use to be interested rather than disgusted by martial arts, McGregor will be able to box quite a few rounds before being defeated. Mayweather would be down and out in the first 30 seconds against just about any MMA fighter. If your only tool is a hammer, you aren't going to be able to build anything as fast as somebody with a large toolbox.
2
You were correct when you wrote, "from what little I know". You should have stopped there.
1
“As a regulator, I take offense to the fact that we’re approving this fight for fiduciary reasons,” Bennett said. “That’s totally unfair, and it’s simply not true.”
You take offense to "the fact"?
.....is that a confession?
You take offense to "the fact"?
.....is that a confession?
3
Legal assault as sport plain and simple. Making millions by pummeling and being pummeled. Truly absurd.
6
It's not assault if the person being struck is fine with it. Certain people like things rough; if you don't, fine for you. But don't presume to dictate what other consenting adults are allowed to do that poses no risks to third-parties. We've seen that done before, and it is much uglier and much worse than people voluntarily subjecting themselves to some physical abuse.
McGregor is in for the beating. I think he know it. The money is just too much for him,and his management to pass up. On the other hand, would be very interesting to see each man get to use his professional skills. It would be a problem for Mayweather. Still, the fight goes on as scheduled.
I must say though,in defense of Mayweather's character,he has beaten up more men than women.
I must say though,in defense of Mayweather's character,he has beaten up more men than women.
3
If they were dogs or roosters, this would be illegal, no?
5
Can dogs or roosters give consent and sign contracts?
3
"In June, Tim Hague, 34, a mixed martial artist turned boxer, sustained fatal injuries during a bout against Adam Braidwood in Edmonton, Alberta."
What kind of double-speak is this? Sustained fatal injuries? It seems to me that he was killed!
Boxing and MMA must be banned. They are not sports. They are sheer, stupid brutality.
What kind of double-speak is this? Sustained fatal injuries? It seems to me that he was killed!
Boxing and MMA must be banned. They are not sports. They are sheer, stupid brutality.
6
It means he was critically injured during the fight, and died two days later.
"Killed" would have meant he died in the ring, no?
"Killed" would have meant he died in the ring, no?
Boxing should be banned because it just isn't much good any more. If you want to see good boxing, I'm afraid you'll have to watch You tube videos.
1
Just a little over a year ago, we lost Muhammad Ali. For the last 32 years of his life, he was ravaged by the effects of Parkinson's disease, caused by repeated blows to the head over the course of his career. Why in god's name do we continue to allow this 'sport', when we know the devastating results? The confluence of two other American diseases, the irrational dedication to 'freedom', even when it results in death, and the unbridled pursuit of wealth.
3
Everything is ruled by the almighty Dollar - or Euro, Yen, Pound, etc. It never seems to change does it.
1
To the uninitiated, boxing and MMA both have flying fists, bloody faces, and guys pummeling each other, so they figure what's the big difference? But this match is closer to Roger Federer playing tennis against Tiger Woods than to a fair boxing match. Boxing and MMA are vastly different. And when you get to the top rank in these international sports, the performers are all outstanding and marginal differences in capability typically decide outcomes. The fact that McGregor has never been in a professional boxing ring before--that ain't marginal, that's enormous. I'll be impressed with McGregor if he lands a single decent punch. He's literally out of his league, and it's going to show.
2
Not knowing as much about boxing or martial arts as I might, I don't see that Conor has much of a chance. Despite his advantages, it's his first fight in the sport, and it's against a world champion. It makes sense that all Conor's merits should manage to do is make it an interesting fight, not win it.
When I first heard the fight was on, I thought that somebody should talk him out of it. It's like a crazy thing to do.
But, I'm still on Conor's side.
When I first heard the fight was on, I thought that somebody should talk him out of it. It's like a crazy thing to do.
But, I'm still on Conor's side.
5
There are a lot of things one can't get his head around. I do not understand how people of the 21st century enjoy watching people pummel each other into oblivion. Sure there is physical skill involved but there are enough other sports to watch for the skill that I wish this blood sport could be banned altogether. No, rather, I just wish people could decide on their own that it is barbaric.
142
Pick one to keep... 1) war 2) driving 3) boxing 4) diamonds.
Boxing is the least harmful and most necessary out of all the choices.
Boxing is the least harmful and most necessary out of all the choices.
Well, that's what you say until you need there to be a bouncer at your bar, or a cop to get rid of a rascal who's creating a disturbance around your building. Then you'll want there to be a tough guy around, and tough guys have to live as tough guys, and do the sports and pastimes and watch the entertainment that tough guys do and watch.
1
Some of us actually enjoy being the ones who pummel each other into oblivion!
I've trained in boxing and martial arts since I was a kid, and I love it.
There needs to be some channels for the warrior fighting spirit which some of us are born with. You might not understand it, but that doesn't make it real.
I've trained in boxing and martial arts since I was a kid, and I love it.
There needs to be some channels for the warrior fighting spirit which some of us are born with. You might not understand it, but that doesn't make it real.
1
What's kind of being overlooked here, and perhaps something the physicians thought about but wasn't mentioned in the article, is not that Mayweather will knock McGregor out (seems unlikely with Mayweather older and out of practice) but the punishment McGregor will absorb over the course of the fight. I won't trivialize the danger of getting knocked out (concussions are serious medical events), but a quick knockout is actually more "merciful" than a continuous beating. And I do believe McGregor will take a beating. I don't like Mayweather as a person, but as a skilled boxer he's showed time and again that he's hard to hit and there's just no way McGregor has the skill or experience to counter that. McGregor is likely to be a bloody mess by the seventh round, but the long-term damage done is what the physicians are worried about.
45
Trista, this men are going to make from 125 million to 300million each!
They know the risks and very big rewards. If I could qualify I would do it too.
They know the risks and very big rewards. If I could qualify I would do it too.
13
I'm sure your heirs would be grateful for the money.
4
Robert Blake ... And you can rest assured that afterwards, your people would be able to afford the very best funeral for you that your money could buy!
3
We are the most evolved species and the reward of evolution or God (if you are inclined to believe that theory) is contained in a delicate cage. Now you want it bashed around in that cage? You could but you will end up losing that reward - brain does not like to be bashed around in the skull. Both could end up with no highly evolved brain to boot at the end of the fight.
8
I've read they're using lighter gloves as well. You really don't want to speed up Mayweather too much. Those hands have lots of training and ring experience. Hope McGregor can weather the Mayweather storm.
8
Mayweather has a history of injuring his hands during a fight even with the 12oz gloves. The lighter gloves are a concession to MacGregor and no favor to Mayweather.
2
Actually, it's a huge advantage to Mayweather even if he does have glass hands. After all, who's going to be landing more? Mayweather. And who has the midsection of a swimsuit model that's never been hit in the body for 12 rounds? McGregor.
1
Mayweather isn't the most attractive personality in the world, and in recent years he hasn't been the most entertaining boxer, either. But anyone who knows anything about boxing knows that he is an exceptional talent who defends himself better than anyone we can remember. He can punch, too - the only reason he hasn't knocked out more of his opponents is that in the second half of his career he went for a safety-first strategy. He knew he could beat them while minimising the risks that are associated with uninhibited attack.
McGregor is a strong young man who is super-aggressive. But he is not a boxer. Putting him in with Mayweather is a ridiculous mismatch that could actually get him killed. The only point about having a Commission is to protect fighters from themselves and, sometimes, their greedy associates. This fight should not have been sanctioned..
McGregor is a strong young man who is super-aggressive. But he is not a boxer. Putting him in with Mayweather is a ridiculous mismatch that could actually get him killed. The only point about having a Commission is to protect fighters from themselves and, sometimes, their greedy associates. This fight should not have been sanctioned..
66
Come now one person takes shots from feet, the other does not. It would seem that nobody will be getting killed.
1
Based on the ludicrous promotional events for this fight, I think it won't be a real boxing match, but rather scripted entertainment à la the WWE.
11
Exactly right.
2
Professional sports ARE entertainment, nothing more and nothing less.
2
This article may be hype to get people to watch this fight. Look, Floyd does not put on the kind of show for the money PPV commands for his fights. McGregor's MMA credentials add to the intrigue and other subplots.
If McGregor is overmatched, it will not result in him getting hurt because Mayweather will not engage in such an aggressive fashion that will put the former MMA fighter's health/life at risk. Mayweather does not want to get hurt either. He is a showman who, in my opinion, often fails to provide in the ring the show he said he would give before stepping between the ropes.
Mayweather probably wins the fight in a lopsided decision - McGregor gets paid and walks away.
If McGregor is overmatched, it will not result in him getting hurt because Mayweather will not engage in such an aggressive fashion that will put the former MMA fighter's health/life at risk. Mayweather does not want to get hurt either. He is a showman who, in my opinion, often fails to provide in the ring the show he said he would give before stepping between the ropes.
Mayweather probably wins the fight in a lopsided decision - McGregor gets paid and walks away.
6
Not to disrespect Tim Hague, but his UFC record was 1-4 resulting in him being dropped from the company. Most of his wins came from smaller, less competitive venues. The two MMA fighters are not comparable. McGregor is a UFC champion, with a 9-1 UFC record. His only loss being due to a submission.
I think he will almost certainly lose the fight, but I doubt he's in too much danger. He will make $100 million even if he loses, which is an amazing payday for someone who was on welfare less than 5 years ago.
I think he will almost certainly lose the fight, but I doubt he's in too much danger. He will make $100 million even if he loses, which is an amazing payday for someone who was on welfare less than 5 years ago.
8
I saw the Tim Hague fight and the guy should never have been in the ring. IIRC, he kept dipping his head down and getting hit on the back of his head. The guy had no business being in the ring. He might have been a 'tough guy', but boxing is not a sport for guys whose biggest attribute is that they're tough.
agreed. glad someone who knows a bit about UFC comments. I was on US NAt'l team many years and ago (not boxing either) and wish it was MMA rules so that arrogant overrated Mayweather could get the whupping he deserves. no cant knockout anyone out anymore and has lacked the power for the last 5 years.
sure he's technically proficient and excellent defensively by why McGregor took a fight where he has no advantage except youth and toughness means either he just wants the fattest of paychecks (cant blame him there) or he knows something we dont. if only they allowed him to at least kick.
anyone who remembers the ali-inoki "fight" knows te repeated leg blows seriously battered ali's legs for months afterwards. when we fought internatioanal tourneys, our legs would be so beat up we literally couldnt walk right for a month and thats WITH shin and instep pads over 21 y/o highly trained legs that could talk quitew a beating and not even bruise.
up this goes max, boy Floyd wins, if its done in under 3, its McGregor in KO. c'mon McG show the world why the toughest fighters in the world are MMA.
sure he's technically proficient and excellent defensively by why McGregor took a fight where he has no advantage except youth and toughness means either he just wants the fattest of paychecks (cant blame him there) or he knows something we dont. if only they allowed him to at least kick.
anyone who remembers the ali-inoki "fight" knows te repeated leg blows seriously battered ali's legs for months afterwards. when we fought internatioanal tourneys, our legs would be so beat up we literally couldnt walk right for a month and thats WITH shin and instep pads over 21 y/o highly trained legs that could talk quitew a beating and not even bruise.
up this goes max, boy Floyd wins, if its done in under 3, its McGregor in KO. c'mon McG show the world why the toughest fighters in the world are MMA.
This event is not a professional boxing match because a) the opponents are not both professional boxers and b) the match is purely staged rather than based on the past performance of the fighters. The NSAC cheapens itself (further) by sanctioning this spectacle as a professional boxing match. Furthermore, if the MMA fighter loses his cool and breaks the rules it could be an unsuspecting Mayweather that leaves on a stretcher. But maybe that's what many spectators are hoping for.
9
Neither cares about their own brain, nor the brain of their opponent.
3
Let Donald Trump fight Mayweather. That will make everyone happy.
136
When I saw the third photo and read the caption, I felt nauseous. I am not the target audience of this sport, which I suspect skews heavily male. I cannot imagine watching such barbarity, it is repulsive. Gross!
3
My ultimate outcome would be for these two nitwits to simultaneously knock each other out cold.
WHY?
Maybe then we'd never have to hear another inane peep of either.
WHY?
Maybe then we'd never have to hear another inane peep of either.
7
1. Since when was the NYT in to promoting boxing matches?
2. There is a reason no one is buying the tickets, it's is a total sham.
2. There is a reason no one is buying the tickets, it's is a total sham.
3
No one is buying tickets? "over $60 million in tickets have been sold for the fight" So nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.
its almost sold out dude. read the papers.....
Lighter gloves don't make for more powerful punches, they make for less powerful ones. I'm not sure where Joe Paolo got the notion that the 8 ounce gloves means punches will hit harder.
Hands are full of small bones. Punching something without padding means bones will break. The more padding a hand has, the more force can be put into a punch without damaging the hand. That's why a lighter glove actually makes the fight marginally safer, since Mayweather won't be able to hit as hard as he's used to without hurting his hand as he'll have to dial back the force he would normally put into his punches.
I do agree overall that the fight seems potentially very dangerous for McGregor, just not for the reason stated in the article.
Hands are full of small bones. Punching something without padding means bones will break. The more padding a hand has, the more force can be put into a punch without damaging the hand. That's why a lighter glove actually makes the fight marginally safer, since Mayweather won't be able to hit as hard as he's used to without hurting his hand as he'll have to dial back the force he would normally put into his punches.
I do agree overall that the fight seems potentially very dangerous for McGregor, just not for the reason stated in the article.
5
While it may be true that a boxer is more likely to hurt his hand with smaller gloves; I'm nearly certain that the impact of the same punch thrown from 8oz versus 10oz gloves is certainly more powerful from the lighter, less padded gloves.
True. And force equals mass times acceleration. If you can throw a punch as fast with the heavier glove you'll hit harder. The heavier the glove the more the impact is spread out, but a solid contact with a heavy glove will still have more impact than with a light glove.
Dear Mike, while your comments make sense to some degree, with all due respect, they sound like they are coming from someone who has never laced on a pair of boxing gloves, or been hit by someone wearing them. As someone who in his foolish youth did both for six years, I can tell you that the weight of the glove has much to do with the speed of punches delivered. And having been hit much more than I wish I'd been, can say from experience, the speed with which the glove arrives makes a big difference in terms of the damage it does to the recipient.
Your comment about Mayweather having to dial back his punches to avoid injury I believe is somewhat off. It appears as if you haven't watched many of his fights. Mayweather is a boxer as opposed to a puncher, style-wise. He normally never throws blows seeking to knock out an opponent. He's in there trying to score points and win a war of attrition. In fact, he rarely ever throws multiple-punch combinations because once you go beyond a two-punch combination, your ability to resume an effective defensive position is compromised, leaving you open to counterpunches. And Floyd rarely, if ever, leaves himself open to counters. I don't care for the guy at all, but he is a superb technical boxer. McGregor's boxing skills, by comparison, are very crude. I believe he is going to take a terrible beating and would be very surprised if he lands any telling blows on Mayweather at all.
Thanks for your comment, it was thought-provoking.
Your comment about Mayweather having to dial back his punches to avoid injury I believe is somewhat off. It appears as if you haven't watched many of his fights. Mayweather is a boxer as opposed to a puncher, style-wise. He normally never throws blows seeking to knock out an opponent. He's in there trying to score points and win a war of attrition. In fact, he rarely ever throws multiple-punch combinations because once you go beyond a two-punch combination, your ability to resume an effective defensive position is compromised, leaving you open to counterpunches. And Floyd rarely, if ever, leaves himself open to counters. I don't care for the guy at all, but he is a superb technical boxer. McGregor's boxing skills, by comparison, are very crude. I believe he is going to take a terrible beating and would be very surprised if he lands any telling blows on Mayweather at all.
Thanks for your comment, it was thought-provoking.
“If you look at him today versus Floyd Mayweather, Conor is the taller, longer, stronger, more powerful opponent. He’s also a southpaw, which makes it a little more difficult for a conventional fighter. He’s 12 years younger than Floyd.”
Well, if McGregor decides to back out I guess Aaron Judge -- OR THOUSANDS OF OTHER LEFT HANDED ATHLETES -- can just slot right in his place.
Well, if McGregor decides to back out I guess Aaron Judge -- OR THOUSANDS OF OTHER LEFT HANDED ATHLETES -- can just slot right in his place.
1
We have to come to terms with our nature. Boxing is part of all of us. We know it is dangerous. We know it is brutal. We know it is unfair in many cases, we know but we watch. We feel that part of us that wants to feel that way.
5
Boxing is not a part of the "us" who have a more elevated consciousness and care about pain and suffering.
This is an absurd fight, and anyone who is paying to see it is in for a terrible disappointment. I will consider it a "win" if McGregor comes out of the fight without permanent injury.
4
Bengals10Violet102601
In the fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather, there is much talk about if McGregor is fit to be in this fight. His experience with boxing is slim, compared to the much experienced Floyd. and his specialty leans more to wrestling and martial arts. In fact, he has never been the ring before, and to start that with one of the best, and undefeated boxers in history, well it’s a long shot to win. I do not think that the bout should be cancelled, because McGregor definitely has a fighting chance, pun intended. He is skilled, and his drive, determination, and talent, may bring Mayweather his first loss. As well, Conor has some important assets that will help immensely, he is taller, heavier, stronger, and younger than Floyd.In the text it states,"“If you look at him today versus Floyd Mayweather, Conor is the taller, longer, stronger, more powerful opponent. He’s also a southpaw, which makes it a little more difficult for a conventional fighter."My bet is with underdog, Conor McGregor, winning this fight against Floyd Mayweather.
In the fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather, there is much talk about if McGregor is fit to be in this fight. His experience with boxing is slim, compared to the much experienced Floyd. and his specialty leans more to wrestling and martial arts. In fact, he has never been the ring before, and to start that with one of the best, and undefeated boxers in history, well it’s a long shot to win. I do not think that the bout should be cancelled, because McGregor definitely has a fighting chance, pun intended. He is skilled, and his drive, determination, and talent, may bring Mayweather his first loss. As well, Conor has some important assets that will help immensely, he is taller, heavier, stronger, and younger than Floyd.In the text it states,"“If you look at him today versus Floyd Mayweather, Conor is the taller, longer, stronger, more powerful opponent. He’s also a southpaw, which makes it a little more difficult for a conventional fighter."My bet is with underdog, Conor McGregor, winning this fight against Floyd Mayweather.
In the fight between McGregor and Mayweather I think that there is a chance that McGregor can win. McGregor does not have as much experience in boxing as Mayweather has, but McGregor does have experience in M.M.A fighting. Also, in the article it even states that Conor McGregor is "the taller, longer, stronger, more powerful opponent". This means that McGregor has the physical advantage while Mayweather has the experience advantage. I believe that Conor McGregor has a good chance against Floyd Mayweather and might actually win.
I must respectully disagree. It is kind of like having a professional rugby player competing in a professional football game. Or a pro volleyball player in an NBA game. At first glance, the sports appear similar, but they're not. Similarly, MMA and boxing are very different. To that end, Floyd Mayweather JR would be in big trouble if he tried to compete with McGregor in an MMA match. He would be taken down immediately and once on the mat not knowing any wrestling moves or having any experience in that realm would get counted out in short order. This upcoming match is being staged because there are millions and millions of dollars to be made by many people.
I don't think the MMA experience means much. It's different sport with different techniques and tactics that aren't available in this fight. Mayweather's long experience fighting 49 other boxers, and hard-earned knowledge of strategy are things that McGregor totally lacks. In this respect, age is on Mayweather's side.
and younger. Much.
Can anyone explain why some people enjoy watching two people try to beat each other up.
Athletes are injured in many sports.
But injuring the opponent is not the aim of these other sports.
But boxing and mixed martial arts have as their primary purpose injuring the other person.
That is diseased.
Athletes are injured in many sports.
But injuring the opponent is not the aim of these other sports.
But boxing and mixed martial arts have as their primary purpose injuring the other person.
That is diseased.
49
Winning is the main goal.
2
Probably. But there is something attractive about the courage of these fighters. All they have are a pair of shorts and two gloves. Most of us would be terrified to enter the ring like that, to stand up to another person and have at it. Just imagine.
1
You do realize we are human beings, right? Ever read about our history?
Boxing and martial arts done voluntarily, even enthusiastically, are hardly the worst of our problems as a species.
Boxing and martial arts done voluntarily, even enthusiastically, are hardly the worst of our problems as a species.
2
Boxing is inherently dangerous, and many former boxers have ended up with incurable brain damage.
It's worse if one of them gets killed- my dad watched Emile Griffith kill Benny Paret in the ring, and never saw another fight. The spectacle itself is the real sickness, though.
I only went to one boxing event, a series of fights at the old Forum in Los Angeles in 2004. We had good seats, and saw blood spurt from fighters' faces. Scantily clad women were there to be seen. Strength, violence, and sexuality were all mixed up.
This is all about to get worse. Science tells us that male sperm counts in the United States have declined by 50% in the last 40 years. The cause is not known, but the effect is: millions of young men trying to compensate for what their instincts are telling them. Their maleness is in decline.
TV tells them to be tougher. Instead, these kinds of attitudes are making us crazier.
It's worse if one of them gets killed- my dad watched Emile Griffith kill Benny Paret in the ring, and never saw another fight. The spectacle itself is the real sickness, though.
I only went to one boxing event, a series of fights at the old Forum in Los Angeles in 2004. We had good seats, and saw blood spurt from fighters' faces. Scantily clad women were there to be seen. Strength, violence, and sexuality were all mixed up.
This is all about to get worse. Science tells us that male sperm counts in the United States have declined by 50% in the last 40 years. The cause is not known, but the effect is: millions of young men trying to compensate for what their instincts are telling them. Their maleness is in decline.
TV tells them to be tougher. Instead, these kinds of attitudes are making us crazier.
20
Cell phones.
2
Well said, Mike.
It's sad that two robust young men are willing to risk their health and quality of life for a comparatively small amount of money --- if you can even put a price tag on vital attributes. That we allow, and even reward gladiatorial combat proves that humans are still a bloodthirsty tribe and don't care who knows it.
To watch and relish serious head trauma puts us in the same genre as the Romans and others who enjoyed life-threatening displays. We have linked fighting to prowess and self-esteem, ensuring a steady supply of young men --- and now women too --- to risk their cognitive abilities and even lives for a few moments of entertainment.
I guess, given the universality of sport battle, it's hard-wired in males; combativeness was a trait that enabled the troupe to survive against leopards, invading tribes, etc., and gained males mating rights and status, so it's endured over millennia. I just hope these men don't ruin themselves.
To watch and relish serious head trauma puts us in the same genre as the Romans and others who enjoyed life-threatening displays. We have linked fighting to prowess and self-esteem, ensuring a steady supply of young men --- and now women too --- to risk their cognitive abilities and even lives for a few moments of entertainment.
I guess, given the universality of sport battle, it's hard-wired in males; combativeness was a trait that enabled the troupe to survive against leopards, invading tribes, etc., and gained males mating rights and status, so it's endured over millennia. I just hope these men don't ruin themselves.
32
Did you say 'small amount of money' ? The estimated prizes are currently $230 million for Mayweather, and $70 million for McGregor
8
It's called the love of the almighty dollar.
Hundreds of millions in personal gain is a small amount of money?
6
This fight is a shameful farce and people are falling for it.
27
McGregor is no doubt adopting the Mike Tyson strategy of attempting to overwhelm the opponent with energy and power early. However, McGregor is no Mike Tyson, and Mayweather is the undisputed defensive champion, perhaps in boxing history. This is very very unlikely to go well for McGregor.
9
Pure Promotion.
7
"...I take offense to the fact that we're approving this fight for fiduciary reasons..."
Doesn't he mean 'financial' instead of 'fiduciary'?
Doesn't he mean 'financial' instead of 'fiduciary'?
53
Yes. Good catch.
1
It seems to me that some people think "fiduciary" means financial.
And shouldn't he have said "implication" or "contention?" He appears to be affirming that the match is being sanctioned for the money by using "fact."
Disgusting.
4
I know, right? Fiduciary and financial are not interchangeable terms.
1
Boxing is dangerous period. A fighter risks her life Everytime going into the ring. Now that being said, a 150 pound 40 year old is not going to be the biggest threat to a too athlete.
1
I wasnt aware that either fighter was a woman, although Floyd with a wig might pass for Maxine Waters...
4
At a time when the NFL is being taken to task for their lack of oversight and care when it comes to head injuries sustained in play, I find it curious that some people have an issue with these physicians doing their jobs by putting the safety of the participants first. The promoters and ticket buyers want the fight to go on regardless — after all human beings have enjoyed watching two men beating each other bloody for centuries. But perhaps it's time to step back and think about the risks: brain damage & death. All so people can make money and cheer. Barbaric.
88
How about banning any athletic competition that is won when one person gives another a concussion by hitting him or her in the head?
4
At least there are only 2 of them at a time. Millions love to watch many football players get brian damage at once.
5
If our society was willing to be truly honest about the 'blood sports' and recent medical finding, we'd be having a serious discussion about outlawing professional and amateur football right now based on brain damage studies that are damning and definitive.
Roman gladiators anyone? Any surprise a little under half of this nation voted for Caligula's understudy, The Apprentice for President of the U.S.?
Roman gladiators anyone? Any surprise a little under half of this nation voted for Caligula's understudy, The Apprentice for President of the U.S.?
3
All hail the mighty greenbacks.
7
They should ban this barbaric sport
23
One guy is 28 the other one is 40 years old. One guy can't use all his weapons and the other guy has been boxing all his adult life.
Should be a good fight, I hope.
Should be a good fight, I hope.
5
Oh, no, it won't be. But we'll see, like you say. Just don't pay for it.
2
Those years that Conor has on Floyd aren't going to matter. It's like saying, let's have a 28 y.o. pro baseball player do a ping pong match against a ping pong world champion. Something like that. Just because Floyd has taken some time off hasn't like undone everything he's done in his life.
Let 'em fight! I feel that if 2 full grown adults of sound mind both wish to do battle they ought to be able to. After all this will be in front of thousands of people (millions when the broadcasts are included), they are wearing gloves, and there are plenty of rules. If one of the fighters dies from a freak punch so be it!
As for the concern that people are feigning to expect from the commission? It's a group that gets paid whenever a match takes place. Do they really care? Only if they think it will directly affect their paycheck.
As for the concern that people are feigning to expect from the commission? It's a group that gets paid whenever a match takes place. Do they really care? Only if they think it will directly affect their paycheck.
5
Are you sure the premise "of sound mind" is correct?
Don't have to read full story, Nevada "commission" is a total sell-out gaining a portion of proceeds. Vegas is now inline with Wash DC, NFL, nothing but conflicts of interest, letting this "kid" fight so they get rich.
8
McGregor will go down in the 1st round. Everyone gets paid. No one hurt. This is like a WWE bout. I wouldn't be surprised if the moves are choreographed behind the scenes.
16
If it is choreographed Mayweather will carry McGregor into the double digit rounds.
MMA has on championship bouts 5 rounds of 5 minutes, boxing has 12-15 rounds of 3 minutes. McGregor will be winded after 5 rounds and will not be able to recover in between rounds.
MMA has on championship bouts 5 rounds of 5 minutes, boxing has 12-15 rounds of 3 minutes. McGregor will be winded after 5 rounds and will not be able to recover in between rounds.
Look for McGregor to revert to MMA elbow jabs and knees to the groin after he gets hit in rapid succession by Mayweather. Old habits die hard. The smarter fighter will win and I believe that Mayweather will not be outclassed or confused.
8
If McGregor is at all smart he will understand that those tactics will get him banned in Nevada and it's back to MMA and its considerably lower paychecks.
More than likely, the Ref stops the fight the first time McGregor gets wobbled, citing his vulnerability to severe head trauma because of his inexperience as a boxer. Even if they let them totally duke this thing out, Floyd wins in the middle rounds on a TKO, opening a gash above one of McGregor's eyes.
1
I don't know, MMA guys and gals take a lot of ultra brutal punishment. Especially when they are pinned to the mat with somebody straddling them who is swinging away directly on their face and head. That never happens in boxing. It'll either be a very interesting or very boring fight.
I think Mayweather will win because he's just such a technical marvel. Anyway lets see.
I think Mayweather will win because he's just such a technical marvel. Anyway lets see.
4
Boxing may be brutal but MMA is mean.
I used to live and teach rural kids way out on the Big Island of Hawai'i. There would be an occasional chicken fight. I never accepted an invitation.
5
I’d be surprised if the negotiations for this so-called fight didn’t include a stipulation that no one gets too hurt. Mayweather’s old and possibly rusty, and McGregor is a rookie in the boxing ring. Let’s keep it light, fellas, so we can walk away healthy and enjoy our jillions. None of which, BTW, they will get from me, as I wouldn’t touch this charade with a 10-foot pole.
41
The only one getting hurt here will be the poor schnooks who spent money with Pay Per View to watch a fight that will last no more than 2 rounds with Mayweather as winner
6
You make a good point. McGregor's chances of sustaining real injury increases with the length of the fight. The best thing that could happen to him is probably an early knockout.
Boxing is disgusting and inhumane. The most celebrated achievement in the sport is inflicting brain damage on your opponent. Literally. A knock-out is the result of brain damage. That's what the plebes in the stands are screaming for, and it's what the promoters are profiting from. Brain damage. It's disgusting on every level. Why is this legal?
119
The only thing more disturbing and repulsive than the sport of boxing and relate extreme aggressive sports is the many millions who actually enjoy this barbaric financial enterprise. I would say it's a mail thing, but evidently women enjoy this "sport" too.
1
Sounds a bit like hockey.
in a perfect world they'd land instantaneous KO punches and shut each other up for as long as medically feasible without being permanently damaged.
17
Comment of the week.
McGregor is a dead man walking.
4
Blah, blah, blah. Comparing this fight to Tim's Hague is weird. Those are heavy weight. Guys are slow.
Mcgregor is not gonna be hurt much, probably will lose with decision. That's it
Mcgregor is not gonna be hurt much, probably will lose with decision. That's it
5
You mean the one instance where someone died among the thousands of fights in the boxing world because the guy happened to be in MMA before isn't very relevant at all? No way! /s
The Tim Hague fight was some nobodies in Alberta. This fight with Mayweather is one of the biggest fights in history, I doubt anyone will die. And these boxers all end up with some issues in their old age. They very well know the risk going into it and the amount of money to be made is so massive here.
Hardly different than the tons of males who do dangerous jobs every day. Except these guys are being adequately compensated for the risk they take while entertaining millions of people.
The Tim Hague fight was some nobodies in Alberta. This fight with Mayweather is one of the biggest fights in history, I doubt anyone will die. And these boxers all end up with some issues in their old age. They very well know the risk going into it and the amount of money to be made is so massive here.
Hardly different than the tons of males who do dangerous jobs every day. Except these guys are being adequately compensated for the risk they take while entertaining millions of people.
2
Demands for fights between legitimate boxers and MMA fighters always comes from MMA knuckleheads. MMA money is just not good enough for them. We know that professional boxing has always been corrupt. There's just too much money involved. That's why the fight will go on. There are only two things that give McGregor any chance at all: Mayweather is 40 yo, and he hasn't fought in two years. Mayweather has fought the best fighters in his weight class and often made them look mediocre. I have no doubt that any fighter ranked in the top 5 pro boxers in McGregor's weight would very easily defeat him. They haven't trained for many years, fought scores of fights to be defeated by someone who has never fought a single round of pro boxing.
7
It seems you are totally unaware of what happens when the reverse situation occurs when boxers have to fight under MMA or other similar type multi-faceted fighting disciplines which, by the way, have been happening for several years throughout the world. In almost all cases, the boxers are defeated in seconds.
I am no fan of MMA, however, MMA fighters are finely tuned athletes schooled in many fighting disciplines. I would not not be so cavalier with your attitude as to what may or may not be the eventual outcome of this event.
I am no fan of MMA, however, MMA fighters are finely tuned athletes schooled in many fighting disciplines. I would not not be so cavalier with your attitude as to what may or may not be the eventual outcome of this event.
Recall that Ronda Rousey once bragged she could beat Mayweather.
Your statement about boxers failing with MMA rules is irrelevant because this fight will be under the rules of boxing.
Fans of professional sports are beginning to prefer violence over demonstrations of skilled execution. A long time ago we watched wars without participating in them, as well, and when we elected Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzeneggar and George Murphy that we prefer showmen to skilled politicians, even if we're finding out the present Showman in Chief is a well-protected thug. Spectacle is fakery.
9
You make some good points. I would add, however, that humans have always loved watching other humans and non-human animals hurt and kill each other. Consider the Roman Circus. For all our puffery and vanity, we really are a cruel, obnoxious and worthless species.
18
I think in Mayweather vs McGregor we are looking directly at skilled execution vs violence, I am betting on the former. But no serious risk to McGregor's health from 40 yr old Mayweather. If it were 28 yr old Mayweather...
It's the same ethical default as the Bannon Afghanistan Private Mercenaries/"Goldman-Sachs"/Free Market Plan: "People are gonna die. Let's make some...MONEY!"
65
If it's "simply not true," then it's not a "fact."
6
I suspect neither fighter will sustain much damage. Floyd's priority is avoiding getting hit, and he's been content to win rounds with a few counter-punches.
But that's an unusual twist. If it were any other top-level boxer, the commission should never sanction it.
McGregor made basic defensive mistakes in his media workouts.
But that's an unusual twist. If it were any other top-level boxer, the commission should never sanction it.
McGregor made basic defensive mistakes in his media workouts.
6
Ultimately the decision should be up to the fighters. These Commissions cannot be truly impartial if they have any sort of financial incentive. Boxing and MMA are violent spectator sports. Fighters getting hurt and hurting others is the entirety of the sport. Not allowing a fight on the basis that one of the fighters might be seriously hurt only highlights that fact.
Aside from fatal injuries, such as occurred in the tragic case of Hague, repetitive head injuries are considered the primary cause of CTE, a traumatic brain condition. And yet this knowledge has not led to an outlawing of professional fighting or even a decline in its popularity. Boxing and MMA are more popular than ever. I remember being a kid in the 90's and everyone coming over to watch the fight, chipping some food/drinks or a few bucks towards the 39.95 pay-per-view fee. Which we felt was a lot whenever Tyson was fighting because he knocked people out so fast. The Mayweather-McGregor fight is $100 to watch. And that's nothing compared to the price of tickets to the live event. These men know the risks they are taking and are apparently fine with it because the rewards are substantial.
Aside from fatal injuries, such as occurred in the tragic case of Hague, repetitive head injuries are considered the primary cause of CTE, a traumatic brain condition. And yet this knowledge has not led to an outlawing of professional fighting or even a decline in its popularity. Boxing and MMA are more popular than ever. I remember being a kid in the 90's and everyone coming over to watch the fight, chipping some food/drinks or a few bucks towards the 39.95 pay-per-view fee. Which we felt was a lot whenever Tyson was fighting because he knocked people out so fast. The Mayweather-McGregor fight is $100 to watch. And that's nothing compared to the price of tickets to the live event. These men know the risks they are taking and are apparently fine with it because the rewards are substantial.
9
Floyd hasn't knocked anyone out for almost a decade. Add to that the fact that he is 40 and hasn't been in the ring for two years.
17
Victor Ortiz Sep 17, 2011 - almost 6 years ago
You don't think Mayweather is as dangerous as Adam Braidwood? The concern is more boxer vs MMA fighter. McGregor is just as likely to take a beating from someone who couldn't lay a glove on Mayweather.
Yeah, but he's been getting in shape, and it may be that when you know something, you know it. Two years ain't that bad, I mean. It's not another boxer in there, it's Conor.
It would be one thing if Conor had been making a great effort at learning boxing, but it sounds like even that's not what's been happening. Conor should have got the best to help him.
The fact that Conor's not a boxer even changes how helpful Conor's size, strength, or youth might be. It's one thing if we're saying that about boxers, but quite another if we're saying it about this kind of a guy.
It would be one thing if Conor had been making a great effort at learning boxing, but it sounds like even that's not what's been happening. Conor should have got the best to help him.
The fact that Conor's not a boxer even changes how helpful Conor's size, strength, or youth might be. It's one thing if we're saying that about boxers, but quite another if we're saying it about this kind of a guy.
Mayweather isn't going to hurt McGregor. No one hurts their meal ticket.
18
? Right, except people who make their living punching them in the head hundreds of times.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
10
This isn't quite like Apollo Creed vs. Ivan Drago, but there are clear safety parallels! Bob Bennett cannot in good conscience say anything "as a regulator" regarding this fight, as his regulatory commission is set to make nearly $5M on this fight. His integrity as a regulator is inherently hobbled by his fiduciary stake. But we can't stop the fight now, can we? Tickets are already sold...
10
The fight will take place. I'd bet money on it happening. A lot of other people already have too.
4
If anything, Bennett and the other commissioners are abdicating their fiduciary responsibility to the fighters to not sanction bouts with a high risk of serious and potentially fatal injuries to one or both competitors. But it seems he's unaware of even the definition of fiduciary, so perhaps it isn't shocking they approved the fight.
32
It's a pretty good Freudian slip. By saying fiduciary instead of financial in that sentence he's making the same argument as the physicians.
1
If you honestly believe that this isn't a fixed match, and that Mayweather didn't pay McGregor to fight him (so they both get immensely more affluent), I strongly urge you to think about it. That's just my two cents.
88
2 million $
Estimates have McGregor making over $50 million for the fight -- I don't think there's any need for Mayweather to top that off.
Why would it have to be fixed? Both fighters are making enormous amounts of money from the bout. No need to pay anyone extra for a "fix".
As far as the article is concerned, categorizing MacGreggor as merely an amateur misses the point that he has a tremendous amount of experience with boxing. He's proven himself to be professional level, both in his MMA career, and in his recent sparring matches.
As far as the article is concerned, categorizing MacGreggor as merely an amateur misses the point that he has a tremendous amount of experience with boxing. He's proven himself to be professional level, both in his MMA career, and in his recent sparring matches.
If it makes money, it must be good.
23