ESPN: How would you train Conor McGregor to fight Floyd Mayweather?

Teddy Atlas: First off, I wouldn't. He has no chance in a traditional boxing match. His only chance would be with MMA rules, where he could try to bring Floyd to the mat where he could, of course, easily be the victor.

He would need about five years -- and I'm being very generous and conservative -- of boxing training and experience to even entertain the thought of being competitive with any A-plus-level boxer.

But I will play this imaginary game with you for a couple of minutes because I love ESPN. So if I did train him, at this point I'm not sure what I'd have him do, but I'm sure of what I would not have him do: I wouldn't have him just attack like the caveman he tries to act like. Being aggressive [although there are many who would believe that is his one and only chance] would not be my advice. He would simply bring on his demise quicker, and you don't attack a great defensive counter puncher, especially when you are so crude.

I would have [him] try and get Floyd to come forward. Teach [McGregor] how to step back and counter, hoping to get Floyd to perhaps be so overconfident that he might be drawn into a trick punch. In other words, a sneak punch.

Also, if you are going to hit someone as smooth as Floyd, it has to be approached like a football team playing against a fast defense: You need misdirection plays, like Shane Mosley did a few years ago [in 2010] when he faked a jab to Floyd's body and instead threw a right hand up top. After that I would pray.

Q: What are McGregor's chances of beating Mayweather in a boxing match?

A: Once again, I believe I have already answered this -- but again, to be more definitive: none. If I were a Vegas oddsmaker, I would not list a betting line on this.

This perfectly sums up your contribution to the thread.

Roberto Duran's biggest fights happened before Andre Berto was even born.

starting tonight, 4 episodes in total

in b4 poasters who know more than teddy atlas

What do you mean? F that idiot. Pound CM boys, he's gonna rip Floyds heart out!!!!

Didn't Teddy Atlas play Corky on life goes on?

LOLMMABROS

yeah but does Teddy Atlas know the angles are different in MMA

Boxing insiders working closely with the McGregor camp (that one ref guy and Malignaggi) have both indicated the fight should be competitive.

Where did Paulie indicate that?

i'm still looking for someone unbiased who thinks this will be a competitive fight

Well we actually do because Conor is a counter puncher so Atlas hasn't even done his homework. McGregor isn't some lose cannon in the octagon. Everything he does is extremely measured.

Actually, Teddy did say that he's watched Conor and he's counter punched in his best performances:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecZqMVCF3fo&t=1m37s

Conor was a loose cannon against Diaz the first time and he paid for it. He did the same against Chad Mendes, who would have ragdolled him for 5 rounds if he had more than 2 weeks to prepare. He did learn against Diaz II and Alvarez and I loved his super serious approach to those fights, but it doesn't even matter, these people he fought are insignificant when compared to Floyd, that's why he is undefeated and made 800m and the others were fighting for 20-30k, while Ronda Rousey was making millions in the same sport as them.

Thread continues to deliver. Thank you all.

Paukie talking about sparring Conor with legendary fighter and analyst Brendan Schaub

Preview

Floyd looks fat and old as **** in that promo. I doubt he's even been in the gym once he's retired.

yes let's trust the 2+2 "boxing expert" over Freddy Roach's comments. BTW I figured out Conor's strategy. He may very well win in Round 1.

Bro, I'm agreeing with you. I admit those are just clips but from what I can see Floyd d oesnt look like the fighter he was 10 years ago. He'll, I doubt very much he's even the fighter he was 2 years ago

Remember just a few years ago there were tons of people ready to argue Rhonda would beat Floyd or even male MMA stars. Lol.

Ronda was pure media hype, she got exposed for being weak. When Conor lost to Diaz he didn't run and hide he sat up on the podium and answered questions. Then he went back to the drawing board. Where has Ronda been?

Huge variable in terms of wearing of shirt or not.

Floyd has already trademarked 50-0 and he has told people he is going for the knockout. I'm pretty sure he wants to send a message to the MMA fanbois.

There are also reports that he trademarked 49-1 too, so obviously hes taking a dive.