Floyd Mayweather surprisingly labelled Conor McGregor as a ‘stand-up guy’ in their final altercation before locking horns in the ring.
The build-up to this weekend’s long-awaited showdown between former five-weight world champion Mayweather and UFC lightweight title holder McGregor has been characterised by the pair trading obscene insults at each other.
But there was much more of an atmosphere of mutual respect as the pair appeared in front of the cameras for their final press conference at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, on Wednesday afternoon.
Floyd Mayweather says Conor McGregor has had a ‘hell of a career’ in UFC
The two fighters squared off one last time before they meet in the ring on Saturday night
Mayweather was particularly statesmanlike and subdued in his remarks – even paying tribute to McGregor’s credentials as a fighter.
The American said: ‘Conor McGregor has had a hell of a career, he’s still got a hell of a career.
‘He’s a hell of a fighter, he’s a stand-up guy, he’s a tough competitor. He’s a fighter. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears on Saturday.
Mayweather was keen to talk up his opponent ahead of their fight on Saturday evening
Mayweather admits McGregor is the best UFC star, but retains that he is favourite for the fight
‘I’m pretty sure he has had a tremendous training camp. Now it comes down to the two competitors, going out there, displaying our skills and giving the fans what they want to see. The best fighting the best.
‘He’s the best at what he does, I’m the best at what I do.’
Saturday night’s bout is on course to be the biggest grossing boxing match of all time and will be available to watch in more than 200 countries.
The WBC has even created a new belt for the occasion, bedecked with 3,360 diamonds, 600 sapphires, 300 emeralds and 1.5kg of 24-carat gold.
Mayweather is confident that he will take that title in his final outing – backing both his experience and ring-craft as decisive factors.
The fighters posed in Las Vegas as they gear up for the bout at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday
‘He’s undefeated standing up. He can do a lot of this (chatting) but it comes down to the skills,’ said Mayweather.
‘After 21 years, I’ve been hit with everything and I’m still right here. If you give it, you must be able to take it.
‘From day one, everything that my dad taught me, I still know to this day – every combination that was taught to me, I know.
‘Everything in boxing that can be done, I’ve done it. Not just once, not just twice, but 1,000 times.
‘At the end of the day, it comes down to me and the guy I’m competing against. To be in the sport 21 years, I had to take it extremely seriously.
‘For you guys thinking i’m not going to take this seriously on Saturday. I’m taking it extremely serious I can give it and I can take it. But it’s obvious that for me to be 49-0, I’m not receiving, I’m giving.’
The fighters spoke at an understated final press conference before the fight on Saturday night