"Technique"

I'm not big on Kellerman but McGregor came out of it with credit.TBH He was in a no lose situation!

 

The skill gap was huge though. And though McGregor had no pro boxing it seems kind of misleading to call him a "complete novice."

 

Spot on.

 

Max made some great points. Though most of McGregor's "111 punches" were harmless arm punches, he exceeded expectations, and showed great athleticism, preparation, and fighting intelligence.

 

Huh? I don't get it.

 

The skill gap is huge, in terms of boxing.

But McGregor, as a finely trained elite striking operator in UFC, I would expect to be more "impressive" than a debut novice of similar limited boxing background but without the elite UFC credentials. That stands to reason.

 

The fight wasn't completely on the level, and everyone knows that deep down. It was obvious from the moment it was announced. From Mayweather's perspective this was a lucrative exhibition, a theatrical event, and he couldn't lose. He didn't really need to train and it wasn't a proper un-retirement.

But few in the industry are going to spell it out because for them money is the bottom line.
If people want to believe it the legitimacy of such fights, that's a whole new door to a gold mine waiting for promoters to plunder at the expense of all the suckers.

 

He'd be a clear underdog going up against a debuting Olympic gold medalist his own size too.

 

Those UFC guys are all very "tough" too. I'm sure there are a good few who would be willing to take a beating with 8 ounce gloves for big money and the 1-in-1000 chance they can somehow win against a ranked professional boxer in a boxing match.

Boxers (prime) crossing over to UFC isn't going to happen because the risks of injury (broken arms etc) that would kill their boxing careers.
The UFC guys have less to lose, barring the unlikely occasional tragic events.

So I expect other UFC guys to follow McGregor's lead sometime, they just need the same schtick and a big persona, and charisma.
Boxing promoters will be very interested in these matches now. And it's easy money for the boxers.
Today's boxers have Mayweather as THE role model.

The sad thing is, legit boxing will take a backseat to this. I'd like to think proper boxer fans don't buy this stuff, but it doesn't matter because the broadcasters and the casuals are what matters.

 

Of course you make up demand. Or stimulate it massively.
That's what promoting and marketing is all about.