Conor McGregor feels 'discarded' by boxing community, reacts to 'McGregor Challenge' mockery

The number of people within the boxing world who have dismissed Conor McGregor’s chances of defeating Floyd Mayweather is too long to list. “The Notorious,” however, said he’s eager to prove each of them wrong.

From analyst Max Kellerman stating he wouldn’t land a single punch on Mayweather (49-0 boxing) to Mike Tyson claiming McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) will “get killed” inside the ring, there are no shortage of pundits picking against the brash Irishman.

McGregor said he relishes it all, though, because it gives him even more to overcome when he meets Mayweather in the Aug. 26 pay-per-view headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“It’s like I’ve been discarded, and it’s like I’m not welcome here,” McGregor told reporters on today’s media conference call. “It’s certainly motivating, the disrespect and the disregard for my skill set. I look at people sometimes, and their mind is closed. They’ve got such a closed mind on how things can be done. It’s a set way and no other way.

“It’s like when we went across the waters to another land, or when we went into space. You’ve got to have an open mind and realize there are other ways, and there’s a time and a place for every single movement.”

The criticism of McGregor from those within the boxing world has been so strong, in fact, that footage of his training has evolved into an Internet meme. Following McGregor’s open workout this past week, the likes of David Haye, Terence Crawford, Freudis Rojas and more mocked him with the “McGregor Challenge.”

McGregor said the viral clips did not capture his attention on the level of certain predictions and analysis that’s been harshly slanted against him. However, he said he will enjoy throwing every moment back at his detractors should he defeat Mayweather in “The Money Fight.”

“I’ve seen some videos,” McGregor said. “It is what it is. It’s light-hearted. I don’t take it personal. If anything I see stiffness in every single one of them.”

For more on “The Money Fight: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor,” check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.