On August 26th, 2017 one of boxing’s all time greats Floyd “Money” Mayweather will take on UFC feather-weight champion Conor McGregor inside the boxing ring. While the fight will be the highest grossing combat sporting event in history there are still risks involved. In such a high-profiled match the stakes have never been higher, but who has more to lose?
The Risk
Mayweather: Mayweather has beaten some of the best boxers of all time, which include; Genaro Hernandez, Philip Ndou, Ricky Hatton, Arturo Gatti, and most recently Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather will put his unblemished record on the line for the 48th time against McGregor. While a loss wouldn’t totally destroy Mayweather’s legacy, it would deal a crippling blow.
McGregor: When it comes to building fight hype and selling tickets, McGregor is a genius. If it wasn’t for McGregor pushing for this fight, it would have never happened. Consequently, McGregor has the least to lose of any party involved in the fight. Having never stepped foot inside a professional boxing ring, most expect McGregor to lose. Most fans would understand why he lost, but an L would deal a crippling shot to McGregor’s pride. To some that is a pain worst than death.
Showtime Boxing: Showtime will be putting it’s reputation on the line when they allow one of their all-time greats to take on a man whose never been in a professional boxing ring. If Mayweather were to lose Showtime would lose a lot of credibility. Many fans would stop watching boxing all-together in favor of watching more skilled athletes compete in the UFC.
UFC: As discussed previously, (read here for further details) the UFC could be risking the loss of one of it’s best selling fighters. McGregor is a master-mind when it comes to selling fights. He makes every fight he ever signs up for seem like a personal grudge to fans. McGregor has also sold fans on the idea of a grudge for the Mayweather fight. McGregor initiated this fight for a pay-day, again genius. If McGregor were to win or give Mayweather a hard time, the UFC couldn’t compete with what Showtime would be willing to pay for the Irishman.
Out-Come
Show Time seems to be taking the biggest risk when it comes to business decisions, but Mayweather is potentially risking his legacy against an essential nobody in the boxing world. Even if McGregor wins the match and leaves the UFC to pursue a career in boxing, the UFC could find a star to take his place. Jon Jones would be the most likely candidate, but popular female veteran Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino has been picking up steam lately as well. Justino is known for defeating the first woman of MMA in Gina Carano.
Whose taking the biggest risk here? That’s for you to decide. One thing is for-sure. Both of these organizations weighed the risks of every possible out-come and decided to move forward anyway. This fight is for the fans.