Boxing Betting Preview: Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor

The big fight is on as the world of Boxing meets that of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in what some are calling as the fight of the century, others as nothing but a freak show. Whatever your stance, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Conor McGregor will enter the ring on August 26th for a 12 round bout under the ‘Queensberry rules’.

Mayweather v McGregor Betting Odds

The latest McGregor Mayweather odds unsurprisingly suggest that Floyd Mayweather is the red hot favourite to win this, as short as 1/6 with Bet 365 sport and Betway,  but as long as 1/6 with Winner and Sportingbet with McGregor the 4 underdog.

With seeking out early betting value a top strategy when sports betting, many will feel that the current top price on Mayweather is huge value with one of boxing’s pound for pound Kings taking on McGregor who has never had a professional bout within the sport.

Having said that, the odds compilers for the Mayweather McGregor betting markets have to take into account the glaring fact that while Conor McGregor may not be a boxer per se, he has several other notable attributes that are foolish to ignore.
Most notably from a pure fighting ability point of view is the fact that Conor McGregor is a two weight UFC World Champion, who has won the majority of his MMA fights by way of vicious knockouts.

He is tall and rangy compared to Floyd Mayweather, has a tricky and awkward Southpaw style and is sure to have a shrewd gameplan different to those who’ve tried to beat Mayweather before.

Then there is the age and activity factor. McGregor is a full 12 years younger than a 40-year old Mayweather and he has been far more active in recent years.

Confidence is also another major key here, McGregor has risen to global superstar status through having a truly bulletproof mindset, he is a master of mind games and will definitely get inside Mayweather’s head. So when you put all of the above together, the Mayweather McGregor odds are not as far apart as many feel they should be.

Mayweather v McGregor Betting Tips

The most likely outcome is that Mayweather’s decades of conditioning for 12 round world title fights will begin to come into its own in the latter rounds of the fight. At that point, it will be a case of cruising to victory or pushing the pace to finish the fight.

However, in those early few rounds when McGregor will be at his most powerful and dangerous, that’s where some feel McGregor could put some pressure on Mayweather and we all know how much power the Dubliner possesses. Whatever way you look at it, this is a fascinating sporting event and although the shrewd money is on the boxer, McGregor simply has to be respected in any combat arena.

It was announced in recent days that the World Press Tour for Mayweather Vs McGregor will kick off in a couple of weeks at Wembley Stadium, in a free ticket event where 10,000+ are expected to turn up just to see these two square off for the first time. People will be surprised at the size difference between the pair, but the verbal exchanges are going to be very interesting because Floyd Mayweather Jr has never came across his equal or superior in this regard and Conor McGregor is certainly that.

From Wembley, the pair will embark on a world tour to promote the 26th August showpiece, which of course is set to be hosted at the home of boxing in Las Vegas, this time at the brand new T-Mobile Arena.

Mayweather is yet to perform there, but another point to note is that McGregor already has fought there – twice – so knows the place inside out and will harbour no fear in that regard either. Floyd Mayweather is unquestionably one of the finest boxing technicians ever to grace the ring. A five-weight world champion and widely regarded as one of the best boxers of all time, he has never been beaten and comes with a flawless 49-0 record.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather has defeated more world champions during his career than any other fighter in history. For all that McGregor has teak confidence, in the back of his mind the task facing him must be looming large.

Mayweather v McGregor Predictions

In terms of finding a suitable online sports betting angle for the fight, there are lots of options and ideas floating around…

On the earlier train of thought, a late Floyd Mayweather Jr stoppage win could well be the most likely outcome. McGregor will hardly lose much respect if he goes even six rounds with Mayweather and there is a few ways to come at this angle in terms of bet type and odds on offer from the bookmakers.

Betway are offering a very tempting 8/13 on Floyd Mayweather winning by KO/TKO or Disqualification, which is a short price but at the same time could be fantastic value. With this fight being called at 154lb, Mayweather will be coming into the fight big and strong. Will his timing and proven class be McGregor’s downfall in the latter rounds? If you think so, then 4/6 is big odds.

Fight to go beyond 6 Rounds?

Another Mayweather McGregor betting option is the ‘Round Betting’ market and ‘Total Rounds’. William Hill are offering -200 on Over 6.5 Rounds, which also looks a reasonably safe bet. Mayweather will want to put on a show in the early rounds and McGregor will be very difficult to put down in the first 18 minutes or so of the bout. One thing is for absolute sure, this ‘Boxing’ match will be unlike any other you’ve seen.

McGregor is not going to stand and go toe-to-toe with Mayweather because that would be suicide. We can expect McGregor to adopt a long karate style stance and seek to frustrate Mayweather and throw in some showboating of his own for sure. All it takes is McGregor to even graze the target with his famous left hand and Mayweather will undoubtedly feel it! We’re set for a spectacular event to witness on 26th August 2017 so put that date in your diaries.