Conor McGregor has branded the recent trend of fighters betting their purses ahead of a fight as ‘stupid.’
Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia face off this weekend in Las Vegas, their 136lb catchweight fight being an early highlight of boxing’s 2023.
To promote the event, Garcia joined ‘Tank’ on Instagram Live in a conversation that led to them making a financial ‘all or nothing’ scenario for the winner.
In light of this, McGregor attempted to talk sense into fighters keen to bet their purses.
“Has any competing fighters bet their purse against each other and then followed through? We should stop doing this.
Fighting is tough. It can go any way. Luck plays a hell of a part. Don’t be saying you are betting your fight purse against each other. Because it never happens. And it’s stupid.
Train hard. Fight hard. Earn your dough. And then enjoy it. God bless”
Has any competing fighters bet their purse against each other and then followed thru? We should stop doing this. Fighting is tough. It can go anyway. Luck plays a hell of a part. Don’t be saying you are betting your fight purse against each other. Because it never happens. And…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2023
It’s perhaps the best argument against these bets, which seem to have been trending recently due to Jake Paul and his brash entrance into boxing.
He’s also right to point out the lack of following through, and fans mostly recognise the wagers as promotional hype that falls away after the final bell as quickly as any manufactured animosity.
Finally, the myriad of legal and contractual hoops needing jumped through to actually make something like this happen suggest that it’s all talk.
The general feeling is that ‘Tank’ and Garcia needn’t hype their fight any more than it already is, with many believing it will be one of if not the most successful boxing event of the calendar year.
US fans can tune into undefeated scrap via Showtime and DAZN PPV, whilst those in the UK have access via their regular DAZN subscription.