How Was the Mayweather-McGregor Match Not More One-Sided Despite Going the Distance?

When the Nevada State Athletic Commission scored the judo-like encounters between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC superstar Conor McGregor, there seemed to be a narrative that the bout was closer than it should have been. However, a closer look at the fight reveals a chess match wherein each actor had a well-thought-out game plan. Was Mayweather merely 'practicing'? Was McGregor actually a much more experienced boxer than most people gave him credit for?

Mayweather's Strategic Approach

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is widely known for his strategic approach in the ring. His game plan was not just to knock out McGregor early but to dominate him in a way that would showcase the precision and experience he has accrued over a career that spanned three decades. There were two key reasons behind his unconventional fighting style:

1. Strategic Endgame

Mayweather calculated his moves with precision. He knew that early in the fight, it would be better to let McGregor wear himself out with aggressive, high-impact punches. This had two benefits: firstly, it would be easier to take out an exhausted opponent later, and secondly, it would reduce the risk of a disqualification. By letting McGregor have his shots early, Mayweather ensured the fight remained competitive and exciting, a must in boxing where boxers are paid to put on a show.

2. Business Acumen

Mayweather is not only a boxing genius but also a shrewd businessman. He understood that he had to put on a show for the millions of spectators who paid to watch the event. The fight needed to be competitive, but not so one-sided that it would make the audience lose interest. Mayweather's strategy was a perfect blend of psychological warfare and tactical boxing.

Pre-Fight Video Hype

Before the fight, Mayweather released a video to psych out McGregor. In this video, McGregor was shown training ardently, while Mayweather was seen doing leisurely runs and enjoying ice cream. The video was a deliberate misunderstanding of the situation. While McGregor was indeed putting in a lot of work, Mayweather was merely ensuring he was in top condition. This move was part of Mayweather's strategy to demystify McGregor's skills and to create a false sense of superiority, thereby making the eventual victory seem even more impressive.

McGregor's Unseen Skills

Conor McGregor surprised everyone, not just with his ability to stand up to Floyd Mayweather but with his boxing skills. Despite his background in mixed martial arts (MMA), McGregor showcased an unexpected skill set that left boxing legends like Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard impressed. His agility, counter-punching ability, and the raw power of his blows gave Mayweather a much harder time than anticipated. Here are some points that highlight McGregor's hidden boxing skills:

1. Counter-Punching

McGregor's ability to counter-punch effectively was a key factor in his performance. He had a sharp eye for reading Mayweather's movements and could land precise, powerful blows before Mayweather could retaliate.

2. Aggressiveness

Unlike many boxers who play the game defensively, McGregor was unafraid to throw punches and was willing to take the fight to Mayweather, which kept the competition alive and engaging.

3. Adaptability

McGregor adapted his fighting style during the middle rounds, becoming more tactical and less aggressive, which allowed him to mix up his game and keep Mayweather guessing.

Conclusion

The Mayweather-McGregor bout was more than just a fight; it was a clash of strategies, skills, and experiences. Mayweather's methodical approach and McGregor's unexpected prowess made for a thrilling showdown that left boxing fans buzzing. While some may see the fight as a close one, it was largely due to the brilliance of Mayweather's tactics and the hidden boxing skills of McGregor. This spectacular clash will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most engaging and strategic fights in recent sports history.