Has Conor McGregor Crossed The Line?

The self-proclaimed “The Money Fight” Pay-Per-View super-fight spectacle between UFC megastar Conor McGregor and Professional Boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr is a once in a lifetime box office showcase with all of the relevant pomp and circumstance surrounding the pageantry and magnitude of the much-awaited event which will emanate live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 26.

Throughout the much-publicized press conference tour for the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jrencounter, the uber-outspoken Irishman’s infamous tell-it-like-it-is acid tongue has controversially generated a highly polarizing presence amongst die-hard aficionados and media members around the world as the high-profile McGregor vs. Mayweather Jr press conference events have controversially unfolded.

Conversely, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr has been relatively demure by traditional standards as well as more self-contained during the media promotional blitz with Conor McGregor to strategically market what is indeed destined to become the most superlative and lucrative fight in the history of combat sports.

“On the count of three, (expletive) the Mayweather’s” said McGregor in his trademark brogue before a chiefly pro-McGregor audience during the atmospheric inaugural press conference tour opener in Toronto, Ontario whereas the equally confident Mayweather Jr subsequently confronted the unfiltered Irishman face-to-face and responded “The (expletive) fans can’t fight for you” to which ignited a very circus-like and otherwise entertaining verbal joust between the global superstars.

However, Conor McGregor’s innate gift of gab has essentially shifted during the course of the press conference tour from entertainingly edgy quick wit to guttural crassness, which has, of course, witnessed Conor McGregor using the derogatory term “dancing monkey” when speaking in context of his opponent – Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.

Thereafter mainstream media questioned the ever-charismatic McGregor’s controversially loud-mouthed racial remarks toward Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr, the over-the-top and flamboyantly gaudy Dublin-born superstar arrogantly strutted and swaggered into the third press conference shirtless donned in a white fur mink coat, whilst sarcastically claiming “A lot of the media seem to be saying I’m against black people. That’s absolutely (expletive) ridiculous. Do they not know I’m half black? I’m half black from the belly button down.”

During the second press conference, McGregor said to Mayweather Jr “Dance for me, boy”, whilst adding “Here’s a little present for my beautiful Black female fans” whilst sexually gyrating.

McGregor’s unwelcomed dry wit played into racial stereotyping of African-American penis sizes, whilst also fed into outdated and inaccurate stereotypes of African-American women being highly promiscuous and sexually overcharged jezebels.

Historically speaking, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr is also a well-documented bigot – as well as a homophobe and wife beater – after claiming that the pride of the Philippines Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao was nothing but a “little yellow chump” whom he ordered to cook him “sushi roll”.

However, Mayweather Jr sincerely apologized publicly to Pacquiao and the proud Filipino people for the usage of politically incorrect racial tirades. This time around, Mayweather Jr has conducted himself with more class than given credit during the press conference tour to promote the much-hyped super-fight with Conor McGregor although there is somewhat of a perceived double standard between both respective Professional Athletes which correlates with race in the United States.

Moreover, Conor McGregor has effectively and unapologetically insulted the entire Mayweather family and degraded African-American women additionally during the circus show-esque press conference; although Mayweather Jr wrapped the Republic of Ireland flag around his shoulders before disrespectfully throwing the Irish flag down on the stage floor with deep disdain.

Both McGregor and Mayweather Jr are global household names and do not have to resort to such classless tactics to ensure that “The Money Fight” delivers financially at the box office. “The Money Fight” has the allure and the crossover appeal which speaks volumes alone.

The dynamic of race plays its part in this affluent affair of egocentric professional athletes and promoters. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr is perceived universally as ignorant, obnoxious, brash and very arrogant, whilst Conor McGregor is currently utilizing the same blueprint created by Mayweather Jr and in turn, is globally celebrated and heralded as an entertaining and charismatic showman who is the most colorful microphone antagonist since Chael Sonnen.

Be that as it may, some delusional observers have compared McGregor’s ability to talk and sell tickets to that of the late-great Muhammad Ali. Ali pre-Islam had disdain for Caucasian people and also visited Klu Klux Klan leaders circa 1975 although Ali never crossed the line personally to where the offense was deeply caused. Conor McGregor has stepped over the line and there are no whistles being blown, except the mainstream media and naïve fans who are clapping their hands waiting for another dosage of the Irishman’s outlandish and cocky quotes. Those clapping are enablers and essentially supporting dishonor in a sport which champions the very virtues of it.

McGregor and Mayweather’s verbal confrontations are similar to a comedian who has run out of material. The comedic barbs and insults during the press conferences have now become old, offensive and child-like very quickly and the borderline WWE-like pre-ordained nature to manipulate more attention to the super-fight spectacle has been apparent.

In essence, Conor McGregor vs. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr has obnoxiously hijacked the more deserved attention away from the much-anticipated showdown between Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 16; Golovkin is presently undefeated in 37 professional fights whereas Alvarez has lost once in 49 professional contests.

From a Professional Boxing purist standpoint, Golovkin vs. Alvarez is truly must-see and Professional Boxing fans have openly criticized the forthcoming and highly overpriced Pay-Per-View main event showdown between Conor McGregor and Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.

Conor McGregor has ultimately stooped to low blows prior to the super-fight in Las Vegas, Nevada has even remotely commenced. In all actuality, McGregor winning a singular round against arguably the greatest defensive Professional Boxer of all-time in that of Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr is highly unrealistic irrespective of McGregor’s adept striking skills in Mixed Martial Arts.

The super-fight between McGregor and Mayweather Jr has been unceremoniously plagued with contrived marketing gimmicks and bells and whistles to cater to the casual and/or non-Professional Boxing fan.

Conor McGregor has not only bit off more than he can chew with Mayweather Jr but has proven to be a premier charlatan and con-man in fooling the general public that he can out-box Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr in a Professional Boxing ring.

However, the burning question on the lips of millions of fans worldwide is relatively simple – Has Conor McGregor crossed the line with racial remarks toward Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr?

Dean Perretta

Dean Perretta is a 2x SEA Award-winning creative, Broadcast Journalist, Reporter, Courtside Analyst for BBC televised London Lions and Executive Producer who currently contributes to FOX Sports Radio, FourFourTwo Magazine and Muscle & Fitness Magazine.