BELFAST’S Michael Conlan could walk out Conor McGregor when the Irish MMA superstar goes toe-to-toe with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather jr in Las Vegas on August 26.
The deal to pit the trash-talking Dubliner against 49-0 Mayweather - the greatest boxer of his generation - was finally inked on Wednesday night, bringing an end to months of speculation.
And with McGregor having led Conlan into the ring for his professional debut at Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s Day, it is understood that the two-time Olympian could return the favour at the T-Mobile Arena.
Furthermore, there is speculation that Conlan could feature elsewhere on the bill of what is being described as the most lucrative fight in the history of combat sports.
The 25-year-old takes on Jarrett Owen in his third pro fight on July 2 on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn card in Australia, but is expected to fight at least two more times this year.
When asked about the possibility yesterday, Conlan remained tight-lipped, saying it was “all rumour” and that no talks had taken place, though he had tweeted earlier: “I’ll be in Vegas, would be nice to be in a ring too.”
News of the big fight announcement was all the talk at yesterday’s ‘Battle of Belfast’ press conference.
And, like most people, Conlan’s friend and former sparring partner Paddy Barnes doesn’t fancy the UFC star’s chances of pulling off an upset,
“I’d be stupid if I thought McGregor was going to win… I hope he kicks him in the last round. It would be nice to see Mayweather’s head being split open,” said Barnes with a smile.
“I just don’t like him [Mayweather], the way he gets on, his demeanour. I just think he’s an a**ehole.
“I would talk to Conor, not often, but I would talk to him so maybe he’ll stick me and Mick [Conlan] on the undercard. It’d be nice if we could both get on it.”
