The “money” fight is finalized.
Undefeated boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather will face UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor in a boxing match on Saturday, Aug. 26, in Las Vegas.
The bout was first announced by both fighters on social media.
IT’S OFFICIAL!!! https://t.co/ND07Ixugs2 pic.twitter.com/JpqFW5WbcB
— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) June 14, 2017
THE FIGHT IS ON. pic.twitter.com/KhW0u3jRft
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 14, 2017
Mayweather, 40, has not competed in nearly two years. He retired in 2015 with an unblemished record of 49-0, including wins over Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya. McGregor, meanwhile, has no professional boxing experience, but carries a record of 21-3 in MMA competition. The Irishman simultaneously held the UFC featherweight and lightweight championships before relinquishing the 145-pound strap earlier this year.
A conference call took place at 8 p.m. ET featuring Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, UFC President Dana White and Stephen Espinoza of Showtime Sports. On the call, it was revealed that the fight would be a 12-round affair, taking place at 154 pounds with 10-ounce gloves. It will take place at the T-Mobile Arena and there is no rematch clause in the fight contract. Financial details for the bout are to remain confidential. White made it clear that there are stipulations in the contract that ensure that McGregor will not be allowed to throw any illegal strikes such as knees or elbows.
In addition to the headlining affair, the card will feature a boxing undercard arranged by Mayweather Promotions. Showtime will air the fight via pay-per-view, although a purchase price has not been determined. Promotion for the event will be handled by Showtime, although the UFC will run its Embedded series during the fight build-up.
A post-call scrum with Ellerbe and White can be viewed above (courtesy of the UFC).