When Conor McGregor first got his license to box professionally, he did so in the very lenient state of California.
And despite getting his license granted in Cali, the state’s commission director advised that he would not allow Conor to fight Mayweather in his debut in the sport.
Conor vs. Floyd is the obvious motivator behind Conor’s new license, but, California was just not interested.
With all eyes on Nevada to make the fight a reality, good news came in today from Bob Bennet, the NAC director, in an interview with MMAFighting.
Here’s how he breaks down the licensure hurdles of Mayweather vs. McGregor:
“[Conor] throws with incredible power. He throws like a ton of bricks. He’s got an iron-clad chin. He’s an inch or two taller than Mayweather. His arm reach is two inches more. He also has fought at 145, 155 and 170. So he’s the bigger, taller, longer fighter.”
“Conor is a knockout artist. Floyd is a boxer. Floyd has arguably, in my opinion, the best defense in the history of boxing. He’s a very smart fighter.”
“… It’s their actions in the cage and in the ring. And it is an anomaly. But as far as boxing concerns, it’s an approvable fight. Obviously, this fight will be a lucrative fight. But our No. 1 priority is still the health and safety of the fighter.”
“There’s always going to be criticism and the naysayers. My glass is half full. Others’ are half empty. Our No. 1 priority unequivocally is the health and safety of the fighters. Are people going to criticize us because it’s a lucrative fight? What commission wouldn’t approve this fight?
“There’s no reason not to approve this fight. Conor is not a boxer? Alright. Meanwhile, in the cage he’s knocked 17 guys out. In terms of boxing, it’s an approvable fight.”
