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Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor: Las Vegas super-fight is 'ridiculous' according to Lennox Lewis

Mayweather is the overwhelming favourite to beat McGregor when the two men meet in the ring and, according to Lennox Lewis, the Irishman will almost certainly be stopped

Luke Brown
Monday 19 June 2017 15:01 BST
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Few think McGregor can topple Mayweather in the ring
Few think McGregor can topple Mayweather in the ring (Getty)

Lennox Lewis is the latest former boxing champion to ridicule Floyd Mayweather’s upcoming fight against UFC star Conor McGregor, insisting that the Irishman has zero chance of upsetting the undefeated American.

The pair announced last week that they will fight in Las Vegas on August 26, to the delight of fans worldwide.

However, reaction to the announcement from the boxing community has been mixed to say the least, with a number of former professionals questioning the integrity of the contest.

And Lewis is the latest to describe the fight as “ridiculous”, even claiming that he will not put his hand in his pocket to watch the contest on pay-per-view.

“I can't take it serious,” Lewis told ESPN.

“Mayweather is the best in his weight class, no one can touch him in boxing.

“He's a pugilist of the highest order, so for another man from a different sport to fight him? It's just ridiculous to me.

“You are talking about one discipline where you can use only your hands and only a few can do it. Every battle sport starts with your hands but they are two totally different sports.

“Floyd will stop him. He's just too good at boxing for McGregor and McGregor is too inexperienced at boxing. He can't use his other styles.”

Lewis does not think it will be a fair fight (Getty)

Lewis’s thoughts echo those of Ricky Hatton, who admitted he “was not a fan” of the two men meeting in a boxing ring.

And like Lewis, Hatton, who was stopped by Mayweather in the 10th round when the pair met in Las Vegas in 2007, predicted that the American would win every round, although he did concede that there would be plenty of entertainment.

“I cannot say I'm a fan of it,” Hatton told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.

Mayweather v McGregor: Tale of the tape

“I'm a fan of UFC, a fan of McGregor - he's got character, he's exciting, entertaining, value for money. I hope I don't upset any Irish fans or Conor, but I can't get excited about this fight one bit.

“It's going to be great entertainment - that's the most complimentary I can be about it. It's two different sports.

“When I look at some of the people Mayweather has beaten like Saul Alvarez - he's not going to be as big a puncher as Alvarez, and he couldn't lay a glove on him.

“I feel embarrassed to say this but I'd be very surprised if (McGregor) wins a round.”

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