Donegal fighter and big rugby fan who beat Conor McGregor gives his views ahead of Mayweather fight

The countdown is on to the most hyped ever fight that is set to break all pay-per-view records.

The out-of-retirement best boxer of his generation America's Floyd Mayweather will face the UFC's biggest star, Ireland's Conor McGregor, in Las Vegas.

The fight is expected to start at around 5.00 am Irish time on Sunday morning.

One man who has a big interest in the fight is Donegal’s Joseph Duffy.

The 29-year-old mixed martial artist, from Burtonport, is a former professional boxer who is now based in Canada.

In 2010, Duffy beat Conor McGregor at the Cage Warriors 39 event in Cork.

Looking ahead to tonight’s fight, Duffy said: “I think Conor’s only real chance could be his unpredictability. Mayweather has struggled with more awkward opponents so if Conor can bring a more awkward style to the table, that maybe Mayweather hasn't seen, and maintain that for 12 rounds, that would be his only glimmer of hope for me.”

In July, Duffy (above), a keen rugby fan who has also played gaelic football, signed a new seven-fight contract with UFC.

Thousands of people across the north-west are expected to watch the event on pay-per-view – with many coming together for house parties.

The T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas will be packed to the rafters but millions more will be watching the fight via TV around the world.

UFC lightweight world champion McGregor will step out of the Octagon and into the boxing ring, as he meets five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather in a 12-round super welterweight boxing match.

Ahead of the unprecedented event, which will air live on Sky Sports Box Office, a selection of fighters from the UFC roster share their thoughts on what is set to be one of the biggest fights in combat sports history.

Dan Hardy, UFC welterweight and commentator - “There’s always a possibility when you have punching power like Conor McGregor but we don’t know how that left-hand will land when he has boxing gloves on. Floyd Mayweather doesn’t think offensively, he thinks defensively and McGregor is the opposite. Mayweather is the best the world, so there are going to be traps that McGregor will need to avoid. The Irishman needs to use a lot of feigns so he can draw those attacks out of Mayweather before he falls for them. It’s the element of unpredictability that McGregor brings to the table that intrigues me most. That’s what makes this fight so interesting”.

Michael Bisping, UFC middleweight champion - “I’m not saying it’s a mismatch because Conor is an amazing fighter but Floyd is 49-0 and Conor has never boxed before. Conor doesn’t move like a boxer though. His unorthodox style might well be his biggest advantage in this fight.”

Amanda Nunes, UFC women’s bantamweight champion - “I think it will be an awesome fight. Anything can happen. I think Conor can win within the first three rounds maybe. I think he can beat Mayweather”.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk, UFC women’s strawweight champion - “Of course, Mayweather is one of the greatest athletes and he is one of the best boxers of all time but Conor’s mental game is on a different level. He can win. King Conor”.

Alistair Overeem, #1 UFC heavyweight - “I think you can tell that the fans are more on McGregor’s side. I think Mayweather has something unlikable about him but he is a formidable boxer, with a great record and I’m looking forward to the fight. I’m a UFC fighter so of course I’m going for Conor. It would be awesome if he could cause an upset.

Fabricio Werdum, #2 UFC heavyweight - “Mayweather wins for sure. I think in the fight Mayweather will play with Conor. I don’t see Conor landing a single punch”.

Eddie Alvarez, #3 UFC lightweight -“I think that a lot of boxing fans are looking at Conor like he has never boxed and they are writing him off like he has never boxed. He can box though, so he understands boxing. His chance will be in the first four rounds and I think that Conor can put Floyd away and land a punch. If it goes past the fourth round and gets into the fifth, sixth, seventh and it becomes a technical boxing match, I think it could look one sided and Floyd could win by TKO. Anything before that, though, is Conor’s time”.

Kevin Lee, #7 UFC lightweight - “I think that Floyd is not just a better boxer but a smarter fighter, a championship level fighter. He is the better boxer but sometimes being better just isn’t enough because Conor will hit him with some unpredictable shots. Floyd has never fought a fighter like Conor or someone with that type of movement. Floyd is preparing well though and with the right game plan, comes the victory”.

Stevie Ray, UFC lightweight - “I think McGregor will get inside Mayweather’s head and he is going to shock the world. I think he is going to knock him out early. I wouldn’t be surprised though if it goes the full distance and Mayweather wins. My prediction is McGregor to win via TKO”.

Paul Craig, UFC light heavyweight - “Originally, I thought Mayweather was going to destroy him. He is an untouched boxer and is 49-0. One of the best boxers ever. The more I watch McGregor, though, he draws you in and makes you believe he has that ability, so my opinion has changed. I think the fight will be 100 miles an hour from the first bell and McGregor will get the victory”.

For more on Joseph Duffy, see here

Sky Sports Box Office will air Mayweather vs. McGregor exclusively live on Saturday, August 26. You can still book now at www.skysports.com/mayweathermcgregor

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