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Floyd Mayweather says he has ‘lost a step’ ahead of Conor McGregor fight

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor come face to face during the Floyd Mayweather Jr. v Conor McGregor World Press Tour at SSE Arena on July 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor come face to face during the Floyd Mayweather Jr. v Conor McGregor World Press Tour at SSE Arena on July 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /
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Floyd Mayweather snaps back to reality in recent comments about his fitness as a fighter.

After spending the past few months taking insulting jabs back and forth with Conor McGregor, it seems Floyd Mayweather has snapped back into reality. In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Mayweather discussed the advantages that McGregor holds over him. He even went as far as to say McGregor has the advantage on paper, the first time Mayweather acknowledges the 29-year-old as a legitimate threat.

“I’m not the same fighter I was two years ago. I’m not the same fighter I was five years ago. I lost a step,” Mayweather said.

Whether Mayweather is preparing his losing excuses or pulling a tactical move is unclear. However, one thing is certain: the 40-year-old is beginning to see his 49-0 record as a fighter flash before his eyes. Additionally, he may even be questioning his decision to un-retire.

Mayweather has gone the distance in his last seven fights. In those seven contests, despite squaring off against some phenomenal athletes, he has yet to fight someone as all-around physically fit and gifted as McGregor. McGregor, 29, holds a lot of advantages over Mayweather including age, height and reach.

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However, it is important to remember that McGregor has never fought in a professional boxing match before. Especially against a boxer this talented. Experience leans Mayweather’s direction and it isn’t even close. Although Mayweather is correct, he won’t be able to keep up with the energy of McGregor, he fights defensively and tactically sound. He doesn’t need to be quicker than his Irish foe. But, going the distance would not bode well for the 40-year-old.

In any case, Mayweather’s comments come at a rather peculiar time. With less than three weeks to go before the bout, nearly everyone favors Mayweather. Why choose now to finally give your opponent a chance? Maybe Money Mayweather was given a reality check.

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