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Boxer who schooled Conor McGregor explains decision to release controversial footage ahead of Floyd Mayweather bout
By now, most combat sports fans — from both mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing — have seen the video of former IBO and IBF welterweight champion Chris van Heerden outclassing Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight kingpin Conor McGregor when the two shared a ring back in 2016.
But “Notorious” fans were immediately crying foul and charged Van Heerden with using the short clip to promote himself at the expense of McGregor, who surpassed just about every pugilist on the planet by securing a zillion-dollar payday against Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this summer.
The South African slugger defends his position to MMA Junkie:
“When people ask me why I’ve released this footage now, it’s because it hurts me that there are guys like myself who have been devoted to this sport, risking our lives. And to see McGregor, who has zero knowledge of professional boxing, make it out like he could just get out of an octagon, step in the ring and beat up the best pound-for-pound fighter out there – to just make out like our lifestyle is so easy and that anybody could do it, and then for people to be saying he has a big chance of beating Floyd. I just thought, judge for yourself. Boxing is a completely different type of standup fighting to MMA, and 12 rounds is a hell of a long time. If you’ve never done it, you’re in for a rude awakening.”
McGregor did not earn his fight with Mayweather because of his accomplishments inside the Octagon, he simply provided all parties involved with a ticket to red-panty night, thanks to his mainstream appeal and gift of gab. Not surprisingly, the booking has left the fight world divided.
What’s being dubbed “The Money Fight” — a card that will not feature anything but straight-up boxing — takes place Sat., Aug. 26, 2017 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and broadcast on Showtime pay-per-view (PPV).
By now, most combat sports fans — from both mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing — have seen the video of former IBO and IBF welterweight champion Chris van Heerden outclassing Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight kingpin Conor McGregor when the two shared a ring back in 2016.
But “Notorious” fans were immediately crying foul and charged Van Heerden with using the short clip to promote himself at the expense of McGregor, who surpassed just about every pugilist on the planet by securing a zillion-dollar payday against Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this summer.
The South African slugger defends his position to MMA Junkie:
“When people ask me why I’ve released this footage now, it’s because it hurts me that there are guys like myself who have been devoted to this sport, risking our lives. And to see McGregor, who has zero knowledge of professional boxing, make it out like he could just get out of an octagon, step in the ring and beat up the best pound-for-pound fighter out there – to just make out like our lifestyle is so easy and that anybody could do it, and then for people to be saying he has a big chance of beating Floyd. I just thought, judge for yourself. Boxing is a completely different type of standup fighting to MMA, and 12 rounds is a hell of a long time. If you’ve never done it, you’re in for a rude awakening.”
McGregor did not earn his fight with Mayweather because of his accomplishments inside the Octagon, he simply provided all parties involved with a ticket to red-panty night, thanks to his mainstream appeal and gift of gab. Not surprisingly, the booking has left the fight world divided.
What’s being dubbed “The Money Fight” — a card that will not feature anything but straight-up boxing — takes place Sat., Aug. 26, 2017 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and broadcast on Showtime pay-per-view (PPV).
