Conor McGregor requests international judge in Money Fight vs. Mayweather
By Brett Auten
NSAC head Bob Bennett tells Sky Sports that McGregor’s request will be taken, ‘into consideration.’
Conor McGregor wants an international judge as part of the three-person crew for his upcoming fight against Floyd Mayweather.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett said that Team McGregor, “has requested an international judge. We will see if we think that’s fair, and we will take it into consideration.”
It was announced earlier this week that the NSAC will consider the appeal as well as a request from both fighters to wear 8 oz. gloves. For bouts in the 154-pound division, where Mayweather vs. McGregor will take place, 10 oz. gloves are mandatory.
Bennett said there has been no request for an international referee and added that whomever is chosen will be very experienced.
“We have a number of highly-qualified referees that have worked in Vegas on mega-fights,” Bennett said. “We have a pool of competent and qualified referees. I’m in the process of concluding my research into who I think the officials should be. The referee that is approved will have a proven track record of working on high-profile fights, and a proven record of being consistent under pressure. He will be a world-class referee.”
Since the announcement of Mayweather vs. McGregor, water cooler chatter has theorized or speculated that McGregor, who is making his professional boxing debut, may be a little loose with the rules inside the ring as opposed to the cage, where in 2016 the Irishman became the first UFC fighter to hold titles at the same time in two different weight classes.
“He will keep an eye on both of them. It’s a boxing match,” Bennett told Sky Sports’ James Dielhenn. Adding:
"I’ve had conversations with McGregor’s manager to explain the rules and regulations. I explained that it’s incumbent upon him that McGregor has an intimate understanding of these rules. I brought some things to his attention that will ensure the health and safety of both fighters, and prevent them losing points."
McGregor has been using retired Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez during his sparring sessions.
Meanwhile, Mayweather is scheduled to have an open workout Thursday. McGregor’s is set to take place on Friday.
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Mayweather and McGregor will meet on Aug. 26 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The entire main card will be available through pay-per-view through Showtime Sports.