After all the hype, those who tuned in to see Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor come face to face for the first time left feeling that they could have invested their hour into something more worthwhile.
It was never going to be the raucous, in-your-face UFC press conference style that MMA fans have become accustomed to, but the whole format and setup was lifeless, perhaps to give Mayweather a bit of protection from what might have happened if both men could 'exchange pleasantries'. In fact, McGregor's mic was seemingly cut after getting a few laughs in the middle of Floyd's speech.
But that's what it was, a speech. It was like an election, with each candidate trying to convince you who was worth more money. And no press questions? Really?
The fact that Mayweather got heated and started barking back shows that he is motivated for this fight, something he had been trying to brush off until this point, whether or not that is good for his opponent remains to be seen.
All that said, it was still watched by millions, and social media was dominated by commentary during and after the event. From the sheer volume of negative/unimpressed tweets it's clear that something is going to have to change if they want to give us three more of these things.
Smh
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 11, 2017
I'm being told they turned off McGregor's mic because he was going to bring up Floyd only knocking out women. #maymacworldtour
— Izi (@MMA_Inciter) July 11, 2017
Just has a friend text me "I'm actually less interested now."
That was a major let down.— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) July 11, 2017
That speech format was bollox. One on one with live mic's and Conor slaughters Floyd
— Peter Queally (@peterqueally) July 11, 2017
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 11, 2017
I think if we learned anything from the Mayweather v McGregor press conference it's that press conferences need questions
— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) July 11, 2017
Conor's microphone was not on when he tried to respond. They gotta resolve that issue.
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) July 11, 2017
Shd've taken questions from journalists. These 2 fighters are fascinating talkers, so give them something to talk about? #MayweatherMcGregor
— James Buckley (@James_Buckley) July 11, 2017
If that's the first taste I don't want seconds.. #MayweatherMcGregor
— Caoilte de Barra (@CaoiltedeBarra) July 11, 2017
Wouldn't it be fun to hear them talking to each other? Nah, let's make it as boring as possible. #MayMacWorldTour
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) July 11, 2017
Can't believe they cut off Conor McGregor's microphone. The back and forth is what makes his pressers a show. Disappointing#MayMacWorldTour
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) July 11, 2017
Next person who tells me mayweather is the best talker in boxing will make me cry, Muhammad Ali had more charisma in his little toe
— Papi Rhino (@davidthewhiter1) July 11, 2017
The whole point to this world tour is the spectacle. How do we maximize that? Make it so Floyd and Conor can't talk to each other.
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) July 11, 2017
It will be interesting to see how the experience is different next time, which is Toronto on Thursday.
