McGregor and Mayweather strike billion-dollar deal – report

BRITISH and Irish media outlets are reporting that Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather have reached an agreement over what is shaping up as one of the most hotly-anticipated bouts in professional fighting history.

According to The Sun, the two combatants have each settled on mega-money match fees and are ready to sign on the dotted line.

There is some third-party red tape that still needs to be resolved, but sources close to McGregor have reportedly claimed that an official announcement could be forthcoming within the next two weeks.

The news comes after ‘The Notorious’ cancelled a meet-and-greet in Dublin to fly to Las Vegas, where he is in the process of shooting an anti-bullying video for school children.

That act of community service is penance for throwing a water bottle at his fellow Ultimate Fighting Championship star, Nate Diaz.

And it would appear that McGregor and his camp have used the schedule change as an opportunity to accelerate negotiations that many feared had reached a standstill.

Anthony Marnell, chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, told ESPN on Tuesday that rumours of ongoing talks were right on the money, although he refused to comment on whether or not a firm deal was in the offing.

“There is a lot of real stuff going on,” he said.

“It still seems like a long shot, but when there is a lot of money involved, people tend to figure it out.

“There are a lot of cooks in the kitchen, but I’m not sure if we’re going to eat.

“The Nevada Athletic Commission, in my experience, has always been well-briefed by all parties on an event or potential event that may take place in Las Vegas.

“We are aware of conversations and information that has been disclosed and not disclosed in the media.

“Whether these conversations will get to a point that a fight happens, I can’t tell you.”

There are still a few flies in the ointment.

Dana White, president of the UFC, voiced clear opposition to the idea of a McGregor-Mayweather Vegas showdown only last week.

“He’s under contract with us. You have a contract for a reason,” White told the press.

“Let me tell you what, there are a lot of contracts out there, no matter what business you are in — UFC or whatever — and it’s pretty tough to get out of a contract.

“And if that’s what Conor wants to do [fight Mayweather], he’s got four fights left. He’s got four fights left with the UFC.

“Fight your four fights and, you know, go out and do what you want to do.”

McGregor insisted in a recent interview that although he would prefer to have White’s blessing, he would not allow the UFC boss to dictate terms.

“I think it’s smoother if we’re all involved,” the MMA superstar said.

“I think we’re all about good business. I’ve done great business with the UFC, with Dana, with everyone.

“I think it’s smoother if everyone just gets together and we get it involved. But again, everyone’s got to know their place.

“Nobody is my boss. I know Floyd likes to say Dana is my boss and this and he decides. Hell no. Nobody decides this.

“If they let people go fight jiu-jitsu tournaments, they can’t stop me going to fight a boxing fight.

“So obviously it’s smoother to do it all together, but look, everyone’s just got to know their place, and everyone does know their place.”

McGregor is currently on hiatus from the UFC circuit as he awaits the birth of first child, which is due in May.

Mayweather, 39, has not fought since September 2015, when he defeated Andre Barto to take his career boxing record to 49 wins in 49 bouts.

Despite that imposing record, 28-year-old McGregor believes he has the tools to do what nobody else has done and take down ‘Pretty Boy’.

“I’ve got the reach. I’ve got youth. I’ve got the confidence,” said the Irishman.

“I’ve got the unpredictable style. You can’t prepare for a style like me.

“Why conquer one world when you can conquer two? So I’m going to go conquer two worlds.”

McGregor is the current UFC lightweight champion and holds a 21-3 career record.