How Floyd Mayweather Jr. Can Beat Conor McGregor

As of this writing, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is currently favored at -650 to beat Conor McGregor (+425) in their blockbuster showdown on August 27th.

Why is it that a 40-year-old boxing legend is the favorite and not the 29-year-old mixed martial artist still in his prime? Here are three reasons in support of Mayweather’s odds of defeating McGregor.

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How Floyd Mayweather Jr. Can Beat Conor McGregor

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Mayweather’s Backyard

Both Mayweather and McGregor are decorated and celebrated fighters, yet they do not possess the same fighting background. While McGregor’s claim to fame in the UFC is his precise striking ability, he also took a ton of time honing his craft in other fighting disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.

However, McGregor’s prowess in Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling will be rendered as non-factors in his upcoming match with Mayweather, who will have the benefit of being in his comfort zone inside the boxing ring. He needn’t adjust to The Notorious’ fighting style, but rather it’s the other way around.

Sure, McGregor has great experience in straight-up boxing as a part of his training, but this facet was not his main focus to round out his MMA career. Mayweather, on the other hand, boxed for a living and nothing more, giving him the edge when it comes to overall familiarity of the upcoming clash.

Time and Effort

Let’s not forget the fact that Mayweather has never been beaten throught his professional boxing career; one than spans 49 matches across nearly two decades of work. He’s won every which way a boxing match could go, be it via knockout our going the distance to a decision. Furthermore, Mayweather has beaten many boxing greats along his path – some of them on more than one occasion.

One might argue that it’s been almost two years since the Grand Rapids native last saw action and that ring rust may play a huge factor. Then again, McGregor also took significant time off from his stint in the UFC as he and Mayweather worked out on making the fight of the century happen.

Having said that, both fighters have been on hiatus for just about the same amount of time, and it’s their respective training sessions leading up to the fight that should be the barometer of how well they’ve really prepared during the downtime. Mayweather may come off as arrogant in public, but his work ethic to back up his swagger is bar none, and he knows darn well that preparation will be the key to his success next month.

Flash the Cash, or Smash and Bash

With great success come great rewards, and Mayweather didn’t earn his nickname “Money” for no reason. The Mayweather vs. McGregor bout will even likely go down as the most lucrative boxing pay-per-view event in the sport’s history, and Floyd is very much aware of that.

This isn’t an indictment on boxing or Mayweather’s personality whatsoever. But practically speaking, Mayweather could easily “buy” his way to a victory to preserve his flawless record and reach the ultimate peak of 50-straight wins.

Then again, and considering that both Mayweather and McGregor love to talk the talk as much as walking the walk with their actual results, these two combatants will definitely put aside their friendship that blossomed during their dealing to make the mega-fight happen and come out a huge success.

As such, don’t count on Mayweather to short-change his opponent. Rather, look for him to come out guns blazing and prove that his fight against McGregor is not just for show. Money has too much pride to put his legacy at risk, and he’ll do whatever it takes to come out on top. Plus, he’ll be taking home the lion’s share of the profits if he does indeed prevail victorious. How can he pass up on another fat paycheck and rub it in Conor’s face afterwards?