Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather had "racial overtones", says actor and combat sports enthusiast Michael Rapaport
Hollywood actor and combat sports fan Michael Rapaport believes Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather's 2017 boxing bout had "racial overtones." That's because both men were largely supported by specific crowds.
McGregor and Mayweather stepped into the boxing ring in 2017 in a bout labeled 'The Money Fight' and 'The Biggest Fight in Combat Sports History.' The professional boxer defeated the Irishman in the 10th round via TKO, but the fight lived up to its billing.
Both men earned lucrative purses for their efforts, largely thanks to the bout attracting the second-highest pay-per-view buys in history.
Mayweather Jr. reportedly took home over $280 million for their clash, with the Irishman taking home the biggest payday of his fighting career at $130 million.
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Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Rapaport, who watched the fight live, discussed what it was like being there and experiencing the occasion.
According to the 52-year-old actor, it was evident amongst the crowd and Las Vegas in general who was rooting for Floyd Mayweather and who was rooting for Conor McGregor:
"You knew who was rooting for Floyd and who was rooting for Conor. There was racial overtones and undertones of Vegas in general, not even just the arena. Vegas that week, it was an interesting mix of race and sports."
Upon being asked if Rapaport was suggesting that African-Americans supported Mayweather while White fans backed McGregor, he said:
"100%, it was also boxing versus MMA."
Catch the interview below:
Michael Chandler has violent prediction for his bout with Conor McGregor
Last month, Dana White announced that Conor McGregor would be returning to the octagon. The Irishman will take up the mantle as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) opposite Michael Chandler, with the pair expected to go head-to-head before the end of the year.
At UFC 285 this past weekend, which took place in Las Vegas, both Chandler and McGregor were sitting cageside. 'Iron' also spoke to the media while in attendance at the event and addressed questions about their upcoming clash.
According to Chandler, based on what he's seen of Conor McGregor during TUF filming so far, he's confident he'll get the finish in the second round:
"He's more of an athlete type of a guy then, you know, than a technical martial artist, you know. I know he's got some skills in the wrestling department. Then, he has got some skills overall but as far as like... the small finer details, I don't think... I'm not sure, I'm interested to see."
He added:
“I will slice through him in the octagon fight. I think a little slow for him from everyone he has fought; I’m too snappy and webby.”
Catch Chander's comments here: