God. I'm sitting here with my morning coffee still trying to wrap my head around this whole KSI-McGregor debacle. The boxing world is full of inflated egos and broken promises, but this one takes teh cake.
Let me tell you something - I've been covering combat sports since 2018, and this might be the strangest almost-matchup I've witnessed. A YouTube star versus the biggest name in UFC... on Alcatraz? My editor texted me at 6:30am with this story and I nearly spilled coffee all over my keyboard.
The Weirdest Fight That Never Was
So here's what went down. KSI and his team were apparently told the fight with McGregor was a "DONE DEAL" before everything fell apart. The YouTube sensation was literally on the verge of facing the UFC's golden boy in a boxing match on Alcatraz island. Yes, the actual prison island. I can't make this stuff up.
Mams Taylor, KSI's manager, must have been counting the zeros already. Poor guy.
I spoke with a source close to the negotiations last week (who's probably updating his resume after telling me this), and they mentioned numbers around $4K just for preliminary discussions. The actual fight purse? We're talking life-changing money.
McGregor's Ego Wouldn't Let It Happen
The crossover clash was trending in the right direction until McGregor, that 36-year-old drama factory, walked away from what would've been an absolute cash cow. Classic Conor move.
Taylor said in an interview: "We thought it was a done deal and we were told it was a done deal." But he admitted he wasn't directly involved in the McGregor negotiations.
Listen. We all know what happened here.
What's a Fighter Really "Worth" Anyway?
McGregor confirmed the talks last month, claiming he pulled out because the offer didn't reflect his "worth." I feel stupid now for thinking this might actually happen.
The Irishman said: "There was an opportunity, or should we say a deal, to fight on Alcatraz recently in June. And they came to me, and it wasn't my worth. As a fighter, we have to know our worth."
Then he went on about holding "every pay-per-view record in the book" and "every gate record in the book." The man talks about himself like he's reciting poetry.
(I've met fighters with half his talent and twice his humility, but that's a story for another day.)
Remember When McGregor Actually Fought?
It's been nearly FOUR YEARS since McGregor's last fight - you know, the one where he snapped his leg against Dustin Poirier and was carried out of the octagon. Since then, he's been more active on social media than in training.
The guy even hinted he might never fight again... before immediately changing his mind seconds later and promising the "greatest comeback in sports history."
I've seen more commitment from my ex.
What This Means For KSI
Back in January, I bumped into one of KSI's trainers at a local gym in London. His take? "We're ready for anyone, but some opponents make more sense than others." I'm guessing he wasn't expecting Conor to be in the conversation.
For KSI, this would've been the ultimate legitimacy stamp. Forget Jake Paul and all those other influencer boxers - fighting McGregor would've put him in a completely different stratosphere.
Now he's back to square one, like a ghost at a family reunion - present but somehow not really there.
And the Alcatraz angle? That would've been marketing gold. Imagine the promos: two men enter, one man leaves... I'm actually disappointed we won't see it now.
Whatever happens next, one thing's certain - McGregor continues to be the most frustrating talent in combat sports. All talk, no octagon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wrap my hands for boxing?
Hand wrapping helps protect your wrists and fingers from injury. Start by unwinding the wraps and placing the thumb loop around your thumb, extend the wrap over the back of your hand, and circle your wrist several times. You can also crisscross your fingers. Cover your knuckles and secure the wrap by Velcro.
Is sparring necessary for beginners in boxing?
Beginners should not spar immediately. It is best to wait until you have a firm foundation and are fit enough. To ensure safety and a productive learning experience, sparring should be done under the supervision of an instructor and wearing proper protective gear.
What are the basics of boxing punches?
The fundamental boxing strikes include the jab which is a quick, direct punch delivered using your lead arm; the cross which is a powerful punch delivered with your back hand; the hook that is a semi-circular blow aimed towards the side of an opponent's face or body; and finally the uppercut. This upward strike targets the underside of the opponent’s chin or their body.
What should i look for in a boxing studio?
If you are looking for a boxing club, make sure to look for an inviting environment, friendly instructors with experience, a wide range of classes that suit different skill levels and quality equipment. Also, ask for positive feedback or recommendations from other members. Trial sessions can help you to understand the training style and gym atmosphere.
Statistics
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
- Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
- Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
External Links
How To
How to Eat During Your Training Like a Professional Boxer
Boxing training is not complete without a proper nutrition plan. To support your recovery and to provide you with energy, consume a diet that is rich in complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats. Stay hydrated during workouts by drinking water and, if necessary, beverages with electrolytes. Eating at the right time can affect performance. So eat carbs and proteins before and after training for fuel and to aid recovery.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/fury-family-takes-over-budapest-tommys-back-after-2year-hiatus
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