Freddie Roach is one of the most respected boxing trainers in the world, having lead many fighters to championship gold over the years.
The famed trainer now believes a much hyped boxing match between UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor and legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be happening.
“We’re in a different era now,” Roach said on The MMA Hour. “It looks like it’s gonna happen. Everything is pointing in the right direction. I think Conor will have his hands full with a boxer like Floyd. But he’s sellable, he’s making some noise.”
McGregor hasn’t competed since defeating Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 to win the UFC Lightweight Title, Mayweather Jr. has been retired for a few years now. While many in the boxing world feel that McGregor has no chance against Mayweather Jr., but Roach sees things a little differently.
“He is a pretty good striker,” Roach said. “The thing is Floyd is a great boxer. He’s really good at hitting and not getting hit and so forth. I think it would take a long time for Conor to get ready for a boxing match, a pure boxing match. But ya know, one punch can change everything. It’s the sport we’re in. I’m not gonna count him out completely. I think Mayweather is the favorite, yes, but I wouldn’t count anyone out. Because he throws, he throws hard and he’s not afraid to throw.”
McGregor has no boxing experience to speak of, but he has held MMA gold in both the UFC and Cage Warriors.
