Eddie Alvarez: ‘There is a very real chance’ Conor McGregor can knock Floyd Mayweather out
Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez analyzes Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor.
The last time (possibly ever?) Conor McGregor fought in the UFC, he took the lightweight title away from Eddie Alvarez in remarkably easy fashion, becoming only the second man to finish Alvarez with strikes. McGregor has since secured a mega-fight in the boxing ring against Floyd Mayweather on August 26th.
Alvarez was on ESPN’s 5ive Rounds Podcast earlier in the week, discussing his former opponent’s professional boxing debut, starting with the recently completed World Tour press conferences.
"I was sitting back with some popcorn, really enjoying this tour they went through,” Alvarez said. “The most comical thing for me, even when I watch movies, is the guy who's so crazy confident about himself, like with the mink jacket. To me, that is so funny. I wish I could be like that. As a fighter, I wish I could do that, so I could make people laugh. But I can't. It’s not my style. I'm glad he does it because we need that. We need guys like that."
As has been the theme for those who believe McGregor has a chance at victory, Eddie cited Conor’s prolific finishing abilities, which has led to 18 KO/TKOs out of 21 victories.
"Conor has about three or four rounds to get this done. . . Within those four rounds, if you don't think Conor can knock this guy out, you're an idiot or you just don't know fighting because it can very well happen. If he doesn't get it done by then, then it could look very one-sided. The technical boxing of Floyd Mayweather is enough to make it look really one-sided for him. But Conor, there is a very real chance that he can put him away."
(Transcription via MMA Fighting)
Mayweather’s only recorded knockdown in his pro career was when his broken hand touched the canvas in a 2001 decision win over Carlos Hernandez. This Shane Mosley right hand is about as close as Mayweather has come to being knocked down this decade.
As for Alvarez, he’s set to coach season 26 of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Justin Gaethje. They’re expected to fight each other at the end of the year in what should be an action-packed thriller.