The pay per view (PPV) event, to be shown on Sky on Saturday 26 August, is already attracting huge interest as boxing royalty Mayweather prepares to take on McGregor, a swaggering bruiser from the mixed martial arts (MMA) world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Dan Hardy, former MMA professional, UFC analyst and commentator for the fight, said: “Boxing has been established for so long, the skillset has been refined so it can be mastered. In MMA, it’s still being worked out. What Conor brings that Floyd hasn’t previously encountered is unpredictability. This is about real fighting.”
If you’re still considering whether to show the event in your pub? The Morning Advertiser has the facts to help you decide:
Commercial stats
UFC is gaining popularity as a pub sport with data from Matchpint showing that more than a fifth of Millennial football fans reporting that they want to watch it in the pub. The stats aggregator also found that the average pub showing a PPV event will make an extra £900-plus.
Late night
Las Vegas is hosting the fight on 26 August and while the fight times haven’t been confirmed yet, the desert city is eight hours behind the UK so the spectacle is expected to go on into the early hours of Sunday 27 August in Blighty. The time difference will mean pubs can extend their trading hours across the bank holiday weekend.
How do I get PPV for my pub?
Pubs can now order the fight right up until the programme starts for £245/€295.
Venues can sign up via the Sky Sports box office or call 08442 411 870
Food for thought
With the face-off taking place Stateside, there’s an opportunity to get creative with the menu and offer American-themed food. McGregor’s Irish heritage also means that offers on Irish drinks are likely to go down a treat, building the atmosphere and engagement with the contenders.
Trash talk
The entourages of both contenders have been reminded that they need to be on their best behaviour in the run-up to the fight. Earlier this year, McGregor had to pay a $25,000 fine to the Nevada State Athletic Commission after a heated press conference with UFC rival Nate Diaz in which plastic bottles were thrown.
Undercard line-up
For this match, the undercard includes two other title fights, which should make for a great night of boxing:
- Gervonta Davies v Fransisco Fonseca
- IBF Super-Featherweight Title
- Nathan Cleverley v Badou Jack
- WBA Light-Heavyweight Title
- Andrew Tabiti v Steve Cunningham
- 10 Rounds Cruiserweight
- Shawn Porter v Thomas Dulorme
- 10 Rounds Welterweight
Predictions
As with all live sport, anything can happen, so the question over who will be victorious is difficult to call.
“In my mind Floyd wins by decision but I only say that because it’s the safest best,” said Hardy.
“Floyd is the best defensive boxer of all time and doesn’t take too many risks. That said, he has fought boxers in his previous 49 fights. Conor will not fight like a boxer and he won’t replicate what other boxers have done in the past.”