Dana White and UFC Ones Delaying Mayweather vs. McGregor Showtime VP
Showtime boxing’s executive vice president Stephen Espinoza has come out and clarified. Exactly who in his eyes is delaying the highly anticipated Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor super fight, reported ktnv.com. Speaking recently on the Cris Maddix podcast, Espinoza said,
“The biggest battle in Mayweather-Pacquiao was both guys really thinking that the other wanted to do it,” said Espinoza during an episode of the Chris Mannix podcast. “That part has happened [between McGregor and Mayweather], so I think the real question — and it’s sort of a black box right now — is where’s the UFC really, on this? Do they, in fact, want it?“
Going into further detail, he mentioned that the UFC president Dana White has sat down with the McGregor camp. But he is as yet to sit down and talk business with Mayweather promotions.
“It’s largely at a standstill. There hasn’t been a ton of progress and I think if they don’t move relatively quickly, people may move on. People may tire of it. But it really is something that needs to happen this year or it probably won’t happen. Floyd’s on 18 months, two solid years come September since he’s fought. He’s still in great shape, but at a certain point, he’s not gonna do it after a while.”
For Espinoza, the UFC and Dana White are the ones delaying the fight.
Espinoza further commented saying “I think part of the fear on the UFC’s side is that they’ll never see Conor again… If he makes 50, 60, 70 and then you never see him in the ring and he retires in Ireland and so much for their megastar.”
Espinoza may very well have a point. We do already know that at one point McGregor all but retired from the sport, before even signing with the UFC. He has also stated many times about getting in, getting rich and getting out, young! The Mayweather fight would be the biggest payday of his career, no doubt setting up the Dubliner for life.
We will hopefully know more as the rumoured September date for the fight moves closer. Floyd isn’t getting any younger and things move fast in the world of combat sports. So even the rabid fans of both men may eventually grow weary of the constant will he won’t he back and forth.
Image courtesy of punditarena.com