Connor McGregor has claimed he "carried" Floyd Mayweather in the early rounds of their 2017 meeting before paying for his generosity.
In his only professional boxing clash, McGregor won the early rounds with Mayweather content to hand his rival the early advantage. But as McGregor tired, the American capitalised and forced referee Robert Byrd to stop the fight in the 10th round.
Mayweather immediately hung up his gloves to preserve his perfect 50-0 record, but has held talks over facing the former two-weight UFC champion for a second time in 2023. McGregor initially dismissed the idea, but now seems keen, insisting he will "end" the 45-year-old.
McGregor responded after women's multiple world champion Clarissa Shields was compared to Mayweather on Twitter, with the Irishman telling the undisputed ruler: "You’ve way more venom than Floyd. I beat Floyd if we re-match. Untold truth it was me who carried him the early rounds playing pitty patty. Every single shot I threw early landed. From body to head I was playing ping pong. I come out full force, and today, I end Floyd."
McGregor also made similar claims in the aftermath of their first contest stating: "I punched you a lot in the early rounds. Your composure is great though, fair play to you. A little early, a little early.”
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Mayweather has kept himself in shape since hanging up his gloves with lucrative exhibition fights and will return to the ring against Youtube star Deji in Dubai November 13. However, the American is reportedly going to put his record back on the line with McGregor and Manny Pacquiao at the front of the queue looking to avenge their defeats.
A re-match between McGregor and Mayweather could be very lucrative for both parties after their first meeting made the American a reported £246million. Mayweather has reportedly made an offer of £131.5m to McGregor for a rematch with a March 2023 date possible in the Middle East.
