I’m prepared to eat my words
The safe money is undoubtedly on Mayweather via decision, at the end of a 36-minute masterclass that makes McGregor look like an amateur. There is one enormous X factor, however: McGregor seems to have a serial habit of turning his visions in to a reality. Every fight people have counted him out, and every fight people have had to eat their words. When all is said and done, if the same is true on Sunday morning the sporting world will have witnessed an upset the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. Or at least since Leicester City won the Premier League. My prediction is Mayweather by unanimous decision (UD), while I think McGregor lacks the fight IQ to outsmart Mayweather. But I for one stopped doubting McGregor a long time ago, so I’m prepared to eat these words on Sunday morning.
Ed Clowes, Business Reporter
Testosterone-charged entertainment
I would love McGregor to scrape a win, as he has shown us so much bravado and sass it would be great to see him live up to his own hype – and it would be such an unexpected twist against the bookies. However, my money is on Mayweather – how can a legend with his track record be beaten by the new guy with a big mouth? McGregor is awesome in the UFC ring, however his natural instincts to kick out and fight in the style he’s so used to may betray him and hamper his dexterity in the boxing ring. Either way, I’ll be watching for the testosterone-charged entertainment and grandstanding as much as to see who wins.
Eleanor Joslin. Deputy Editor - InsideOut
I hope the match lives up to the expectations
Not everyone is backing Floyd Mayweather for victory. Seriously. I’m no expert when it comes to boxing but with the hype surrounding the momentous occasion, I think Conor McGregor’s charisma makes him the more appealing of the two, to get behind and support. I hope the match lives up to the expectations presented by both fighters. Although, it remains to be seen if McGregor can land the knockout blow he needs to pull off what could be one of the biggest upsets in sporting history. Or, if it will be a one-sided walkover for Mayweather… I hope not.
Ashleigh McGinley, Web News Editor
Technical genius vs pure brawler
Every now and again you get a gut feeling, no matter how illogical, that an upset is on the cards, and this is one such occasion where I can see the underdog pulling off a lucky punch. Yes, Mayweather, is a technical genius, but McGregor is a pure brawler, and it may just be Mayweather’s skill and ability to absorb and neutralise attacks, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone have a proper go at him. McGregor will change that. Maybe I’m letting their personalities influence me while following my heart and not my head, but I would dearly love to see Mayweather stopped, and a bigger part of me thinks it might just happen.
Ashley Hammond, Staff Reporter
I like McGregor to win
Though I still believe that this whole Mayweather vs McGregor fiasco is just a publicity stunt that benefit both men. I like McGregor to win but stepping into Mayweather’s ring with no grappling, kicking and elbows would be a great disadvantage for him. McGregor for sure would have no shot against the boxer who doesn’t get hit and made a living off of dodging punches against some of the best boxers of our generation. I would expect McGregor who is so unexperienced to a totally new sport to be outclassed throughout the fight.
Eliezer T. Semine, ANM Prepress
Mayweather is unbeatable
Mayweather, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Even at 40, I believe he is unbeatable. He’s a perfectionist and will be taking this seriously. There are not many fighters who are as aesthetically effective in defence or striking as he is. It can be argued that McGregor has a slight size and reach advantage, which in boxing can be a big factor. However, I, like so many out there, believe that only the luckiest of punches, a one in a million trademark left-hook that lands with the power of a 10-tonne truck, will cause the Mother of all upsets. But I don’t see that happening on Saturday ... without a doubt. Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features Writer Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features Writer
