Floyd Mayweather says he is putting his ‘legacy on the line’ by stepping into the boxing ring to face Conor McGregor.
The 40-year-old is in pursuit of a landmark 50th career victory from as many fights when he faces UFC fighter McGregor in Las Vegas on August 26.
And while Mayweather is the strong favourite to emerge victorious once again McGregor – who is 11 years younger than him – he insists he has more to lose.
‘I truly believe I am taking the bigger risk,’ Mayweather said. ‘But it?s big reward for both.
‘I have a 49-0 record, and when a fighter has lost before and he loses again they say ?oh It?s nothing, he?s lost before.
‘But when a fighter has been dominating for twenty-something years, never lost, everything is on the line ? my legacy, my boxing record, everything is on the line.’
McGregor’s only loss in UFC came in 2016 when he was defeated by Nate Diaz but Mayweather is not contemplating tarnishing his own record with a defeat.
‘I just try to focus on being positive and worrying about going out there and doing what I do best. I try not to think about losing or taking an ?L?. That?s not really my focus.
‘Every day, I tell myself I?m a winner. I was born to be a winner at life, not just in the ring. I was born to be a winner. So whatever I do, I try to give it 100 per cent and I try to push myself to the limit.
‘It?s all about taking risks and I wouldn?t be where I am without taking risks.
‘So I don?t mind putting the 49-0 record on the line, I don?t mind putting everything on the line for this fight. I feel like it?s worth it.’
