Why Conor McGregorReceived More Support than Floyd Mayweather in Their Fight

Introduction

The battle between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather in 2017 was a fight that captured global attention. While Floyd Mayweather is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Conor McGregor gained more support from fans. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon by examining their public personas and the controversy surrounding their careers.

Public Persona and Popularity

Conor McGregor is instantly more likable than Floyd Mayweather. McGregor's charm and charisma set him apart. Unlike Mayweather, who is often described as arrogant and egotistical, McGregor projects a more relatable and personable image, often through his interactions on social media. His well-publicized work-outs, banter, and social media presence have made him a household name.

Floyd Mayweather, on the other hand, garnered a reputation for being disrespectful to his opponents, particularly Muhammad Ali. His comments about Ali's Parkinson's disease and dismissing Ali as being hit "too much" reflected a lack of respect and class, which alienated many fans, particularly boxing purists.

Career Decision and Financial Motivations

Mayweather’s career choices were often criticized, especially regarding his selection of opponents. He opted for fights that preserved his perfect record, which deprived him of the true challenges that could have solidified his legacy as a premier boxer. A prime example is his decision to fight Robert Fitzgerald, a fighter past his prime, rather than taking on more worthy opponents, thus avoiding the risk of losing to a higher quality fighter.

Mayweather's approach to boxing was more about financial gain than pure sport. His primary motivation was to maintain his undefeated record and, ultimately, to be the highest-paid athlete in the world. This is evident from his relationship withHandler Larry Holmes, who strongly urged him to accept the McGregor fight to generate massive revenue. For Mayweather, taking on McGregor provided a significant return on investment, allowing him to remain a household name and a lucrative attraction for fans and spectators alike.

Rivalry between Boxing and MMA

For some MMA fans, the McGregor vs. Mayweather fight was more about a rivalry between the two sports. Many saw McGregor as a threat to boxing's dominance and perceived the fight as a chance to prove the superiority of MMA. The spectators and fans who supported McGregor felt that a potential McGregor win would vindicate them and showcase the potential of MMA as a sport. The media often portrayed Stalinist Floyd Mayweather as a villain, someone who had to be put in his place, and this added to the narrative that McGregor was the underdog who deserved victory.

Public Reaction and Media Influence

The fighting style of the two fighters also played a significant role in the public's perception. While McGregor's workouts and mixed martial arts (MMA) background added to his appeal among casual sports fans and the public, the reality was that McGregor had limited skill in traditional boxing. A video of McGregor’s workouts showed he lacked the endurance and technique needed to defeat Mayweather in a formal boxing match. The fight was more about the spectacle and the potential for McGregor to upset the odds, rather than its technical merit.

The constant media attention and hyping of the fight created a sense of excitement and spectacle that resonated with both casual sports fans and richer MMA enthusiasts. McGregor's antics and claims of making dollar signs danced in Floyd's pockets added to the intrigue and drew in spectators eager to see the "upset" and Mayweather's financial success.

Conclusion

The fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather was more about public perception, financial incentives, and the rivalry between boxing and MMA. While McGregor created a lot of buzz and excitement, the fundamental skills and training required for a traditional boxing match were vastly different. Mayweather’s financial success was a result of his carefully planned boxing career, prioritizing record preservation and lucrative fights.

Whether one prefers Conor McGregor or Floyd Mayweather, the battle between the two fighters remains a fascinating point in the history of mixed martial arts and boxing. The support McGregor received can be attributed to his public persona, the rivalry between the sports, and the excitement generated by the fight itself.