By Nedu Obi: With rumors of a mega-boxing match between boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC game changer Conor McGregor spreading like wild fire around the media stratosphere, it was only a matter of time before the fact or fiction drama was put to bed, or earnestly admitted.
Better yet, someone had to man up and tell the masses what time it was – step forward retired former five-divisional boxing champ and pound-for-pound kingpin Mayweather.
Yesterday “Money” took to his Facebook page and quashed any scuttlebutt that a deal had been made:
“Although there has been several rumors circulating thru [sic] [the] media suggesting that I will have an upcoming fight, I’d like to set that record straight and state that there has been no deals made on my behalf in regards to a bout with any fighter at this time.”
“I am happily retired and enjoying my life! Rest assured that if any changes come about, I will be the first to let the world know!”
Eight hours later, Mayweather hit Facebook again – this time taking aim at McGregor – the man also involved this amaranthine kerfuffle over what could turn out to be the richest fight in boxing history:
“Listen, Conor McGregor, if you really want to get this fight done… take care of your business with the UFC and then have your people get in touch with my people.”
So, it appears nothing has changed since both Mayweather and McGregor first flirted with the idea of putting their dukes up in a boxing ring way back in 2016.
This is akin to Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao all over again – the only difference being, it took six-and-a-half years to make. Howbeit, Mayweather who turns 40 next week doesn’t have a year to twiddle his thumbs, let alone a near seven year to wait around for a fight that is seemingly looking chimerical at best.
I’m wholly aware that most of you fight fans (especially the boxing erudites) are getting mightily bored silly with all the news reports regarding this match-up – negotiations falling through and whatnot.
However, please bear in mind, whether fact or fiction, the media has to relay the information to the masses (savants, casuals and the like).
Still, in the realm of sports, this type of behavior has become the norm, more so in landscape of the sweet science, where wagging fingers point angrily in the direction of its shameless antics.
It’s a case of much ado about nothing – because that seems to be the nature of the beast.