Conor McGregor admits he ‘shivers’ when watching old boxing technique used in the build-up to Floyd Mayweather fight
CONOR McGREGOR admitted he “shivers” in embarrassment at the boxing technique he displayed before fighting Floyd Mayweather. The UFC superstar made his ring debut in 2017, losing in 10 rounds to all-time great Mayweather. But in the open workout before the fight McGregor was ridiculed for his unusual warm up in the ring before hitting […]
CONOR McGREGOR admitted he “shivers” in embarrassment at the boxing technique he displayed before fighting Floyd Mayweather.
The UFC superstar made his ring debut in 2017, losing in 10 rounds to all-time great Mayweather.
But in the open workout before the fight McGregor was ridiculed for his unusual warm up in the ring before hitting various bags for 12 rounds at the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas.
The Irishman has since returned to his first ever boxing coaches at the Crumlin amateur club, with former Olympian Phil Sutcliffe, for the first time ever, cornering the 31-year-old on his octagon comeback in January.
Before he beat Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds, McGregor was filmed back at the UFC’s PI, and admitted he cannot bear to look at the way he was punching in the lead-up to his boxing debut.
He said: “I actually look at the Mayweather [fight], the shots on the bag and the way I was punching and I actually can’t even watch that.
“I shiver when I see the way I was throwing my punches back then. I just wasn’t sitting right on them, just floating through the air.
“Now I’m getting into positions and sitting in. Got to go through everything to learn, to truly learn. Experience is the best teacher of all.”
McGregor neglected to bring in a boxing coach before his loss to Mayweather, with striking trainer Owen Roddy instead leading the camp alongside John Kavanagh.
The former two-time UFC champion has eyed a return to boxing, calling for a rematch against Mayweather, 43, or super-fight against 31-year-old Manny Pacquiao.
Back under the guidance of those who first taught McGregor how to box, he believes he is more prepared to perform in the ring.
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Despite Floyd claiming he would “whip McGregor’s ass again”, the Irishman told ESPN in January: “I wasn’t sinking into my shots like I am now, [with] what my boxing coaches are drilling, specific boxing things they’re drilling into me again.
“I know I beat Floyd, I’d beat Floyd if we rematched, when we rematch. I would like to box him. I think that would be a good rematch.
“But also, I would be open to other boxing bouts. You know, Manny. We’re actually close to signing Manny. There’s been talks about the Manny fight as well.”
