Eddie Alvarez’s coach, Mark Henry, believes that Conor McGregor could knock out Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Before Conor McGregor locked horns with Eddie Alvarez in a lightweight championship tilt at UFC 205, boxing coach Mark Henry was critical of the Irishman’s skills.
Henry, a long time MMA coach, went as far as to label McGregor a fraud, but one has to wonder whether those words were used to generate hype for a fight with one of his students.
Henry took back those words and acted with class when ‘The Notorious’ out-boxed and knocked out Alvarez to win the 155 lbs title last year, and the veteran trainer thinks that McGregor may have what it takes to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr.
A boxing showdown between McGregor and Mayweather has picked up major interest as of late, with both men seemingly engaging in informal negotiations, and Henry thinks the SBG Ireland product has a chance to KO Mayweather in the opening rounds.
“All credit to Conor that he hit him from the beginning early and rocked him,” Henry said of McGregor’s performance at UFC 205, per Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star. “It’s like I said, the swing that he has is unbelievable.”
“I think he would have the possibility of knocking out Mayweather. He’s way bigger than Mayweather too. Boxers only cut about ten pounds, whereas Conor probably walks around at 173lbs. So he’s also a lot bigger than Mayweather too. I even think he has a chance of knocking out Mayweather if it was in the first three to four rounds. After that, I’d definitely give the edge to Mayweather.”
Despite having no professional boxing experience, McGregor boasts some of the best boxing in MMA, knocking out most of his opponents in the first round with his laser-accurate left hand. Mayweather, though, is in a league of his own and is highly regarded as one of the best boxers to ever compete.
‘Money’ is undefeated at 49-0 and is an expert at his craft, utilizing superb head movement and impeccable timing to outclass almost all of his opponents.
Henry, though, thinks McGregor’s combination of speed and power poses serious problems for the boxing great.
“You know Conor, his defence isn’t as good as Mayweather. But Conor’s speed, power, and precision is unbelievable,” he said. “After watching that fight, I’d even give a possible chance of knocking out Mayweather early. I don’t think it’d go his way, but I definitely give him the chance of a KO because his power isn’t something I’ve seen (before).”
At a recent PPV interview event in Manchester, England, McGregor revealed his plans to have a sit-down with Mayweather to discuss business and come to an understanding.
Bloody Elbow will keep you updated on all the latest developments.