Teddy Atlas Praises Conor McGregor For Leading Floyd Mayweather Early

Boxing commentator Teddy Atlas has reflected on the Conor McGregor/Floyd Mayweather crossover fight and gives the Irishman credit for his performance in his boxing debut.

McGregor had his moments early in the ‘money fight’ against Mayweather, landing a few power punches and landing over 110 total strikes on the boxing Hall of Famer. Many pundits, including ESPN’s Max Kellerman, predicted that McGregor wouldn’t land a punch on Mayweather.

Despite faltering in the later rounds and losing via TKO, McGregor impressed many in his first appearance in the boxing ring. During a recent interview with The Schmo, Atlas admitted that McGregor had the early advantage over Mayweather as he was scoring the fight.

“I was there for ESPN calling the fights, and I was there with the great Chael Sonnen sitting ringside and after four rounds he was ahead,” Atlas said of McGregor. “He’s a southpaw, he’s got long arms, he’s a counter puncher and he was staying outside with the counter punching, using his reach, using his jab.” (h/t The Mirror)

“Four rounds, he was ahead. But then, of course, Mayweather did what he had to do in his realm to break him down, and he did, and he got to him.”

Conor McGregor Has Hinted At A Return To Boxing

McGregor’s defeat to Mayweather may not be the only boxing match of his combat sports career. Earlier this year, he had allegedly been close to signing off on a deal to box Manny Pacquiao, before negotiations fell through. McGregor went on to return to the UFC and lose back-to-back fights to Dustin Poirier.

McGregor and Mayweather have both teased the potential of a rematch in the future, although it remains unlikely that Mayweather will end his retirement.

In the meantime, McGregor is in the middle of his preparation for a comeback to the octagon next year. He’s looking to erase his recent struggles and get back on track in MMA.

What were your thoughts on the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather ‘Money Fight’?