Olympic champion Michael Carruth has branded a Conor McGregor rematch with Floyd Mayweather as a cash grab – with the Notorious set to land €100million from it.
The former boxer has described the possible clash between the pair as little more than an exhibition fight.
Mayweather, 45, claimed yesterday a 2023 rematch with McGregor is in the pipeline and said the highly-anticipated bout could be a professional fight – but he would prefer an exhibition.
READ MORE: Conor McGregor breaks silence on Floyd Mayweather second fight news with just two words
However, last night the UFC star appeared to rule out the megabucks rematch – throwing the fight into doubt.
In a cryptic online message, McGregor said he was “not interested” in another grudge fight with Mayweather, despite the fact it could earn him a cool €100million.
It has been five years since Mayweather and McGregor, 34, combined for a fight in Las Vegas in August 2017 with “Money” securing a 10th round victory.
McGregor reportedly scooped €131million from the match-up, which was his first and only boxing fight.
And now, iconic Irish sportsman Carruth has told the Irish Mirror he “can’t see a professional fight happening” – but insisted if it does, that “it’s all about the money”.
He said: “I wonder who will sanction it if it’s to be a professional fight as McGregor has put on about two stone so they won’t be matched in weight. I can’t see a professional fight happening.
“They are several years out of the boxing ring – you can’t do that in the professional world of boxing in this day and age.
“It’s all about them making money. They are going to get a good pay packet but it’s not real boxing to a degree.
“I also think it’s ludicrous in this day and age that they even need to fight. They made their money and well done to them but enough is enough.”
The boxing legend won Ireland’s first Olympic gold medal in Barcelona in 1992.
Carruth said: “I’ve no problem if they want to make money – I think at this stage in their lives they need to think do they need to get into the ring.”
He believes Mayweather has everything to lose – whereas McGregor has something to prove after being beaten.
He added: “But again, it’s a business thing more than anything else.”
The former champion believes both sportsmen should give something back instead of facing each other in the ring.
Carruth said: “If they have that much time on their hands I’d say to them go and teach young kids boxing or MMA. Give something back.”
However, he admitted if the bout goes ahead then “obviously we will be supporting our own.”
Mayweather reportedly earned €283million from the blockbuster bout in 2017.
Since then, McGregor suffered three defeats in his last four UFC bouts. He also took time out to recover from a broken leg suffered against Dustin Poirier in the octagon in November 2021.
Meanwhile, Paddy Power has installed Mayweather as the 1/7 favourite – but the American isn’t being as strongly backed as before.
McGregor’s odds have shortened to 5/1 from 7/1.
A spokesman said: “This fight was a bit of a non-contest last time out, so it’s great to see the pair back to make a mockery of boxing once again.”
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