ONE OF BOXING’S biggest promoters believes a superfight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather would be “ludicrous” on the part of the Irishman.
But Bob Arum hailed McGregor’s business smarts as the UFC history-maker tries to pressure the organisation into offering him a better deal.
Speculation about a McGregor v Mayweather showdown gathered pace on Thursday when ‘The Notorious’ was granted a professional boxing licence by the state of California.
Vegas bookies immediately installed Mayweather — undefeated in 49 pro bouts and a four-weight world champion — as 1/25 favourite if the two should ever meet in the ring.
“The kid is very, very smart,” Arum told USA Today Sports. “He knows what he is doing and he is trying to change the game.”
“He has got to have leverage if he is going to get paid what he wants.”
Mayweather’s camp scoffed at the speculation on Thursday with Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe insisting that McGregor “would get his ass beat from pillar to post” if Mayweather comes out of retirement to fight him.
Arum agrees that it would be a foolish move.
“If he could listen to reason and come in and fight at an entry level then there could be something to work with.
“To think that he could come and fight one of the best fighters ever in Mayweather right away would be ludicrous.”
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