It?s still early, but give Round 1 of the trash-talk battle between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. to the Irish MMA star.
A mural in McGregor?s gym depicts the UFC showman landing a left flush to Mayweather?s chin. McGregor has used that vision a few times as his way to needle the undefeated boxer since their Aug. 26 match was announced, even quoting Rocky IV villain Ivan Drago: ?If he dies, he dies.?
Still, both fighters have been relatively quiet since announcing their bout, holding off on interviews and personal insults. Break time is over ? there?s certain to be a flurry of smack during a press tour this week in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and London. It?s the first time that Mayweather and McGregor will share the stage ahead of their fight in Las Vegas.
Both men are trying to drive up huge paydays. Nothing sells tickets like talking smack.
Trash-talk scorecard
The AP has been keeping track of the barbs between Mayweather and McGregor given the bravado of both fighters and their yapping before the fight was even made. McGregor is a big underdog against Mayweather in the ring, but they?re evenly matched at talking trash.
This verbal joust is three rounds. Round 1: From the day the fight was announced until the start of their press tour. Round 2: The press tour through the start of fight week. Round 3: Fight week.
Scoring is just like boxing and MMA: 10 points to the winner of each round, 9 points to the loser ? 8 if something?s worth considering an emotional knock-down.
