Conor McGregor 'very happy' with NSAC's 8-ounce glove exception for Floyd Mayweather fight

Conor McGregor believes Wednesday’s ruling by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to permit eight-ounce gloves for his Aug. 26 boxing showdown with Floyd Mayweather gives him a significant advantage.

McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) typically competes in four-ounce gloves in the UFC but was initially faced with the prospect of fighting Mayweather (49-0 boxing) in 10-ounce gloves. The NSAC stipulates that in most cases, fights taking place at 154-pounds or above should use 10-ounce gloves.

However, after a verbal challenge from McGregor, Mayweather recently revealed on social media that he was willing to accept eight-ounce equipment.

“I’m very happy with how (the commission) handled it,” McGregor said on a conference call with reporters. “They took both fighters’ requests into consideration, and I’m very happy with it. You’ve got pros and cons on both sides, and both athletes asking for it. I am coming up in weight on the gloves. Look at what I fight with (normally).”

It’s widely assumed that lighter gloves could benefit the heavy-handed McGregor, as opposed to the more defensively minded and tactical
style of Mayweather.

UFC President Dana White agreed.

“Now we are fighting in eight-ounce gloves, and it is going to be a fight,” White said. “Anything can happen in a fight. I think it affects the contest. Yes, Floyd is faster. But he’s a defensive master. Conor hits like a truck. Smaller gloves favor him big time. It affects the fight big time.”

The NSAC also revealed that Robert Byrd would referee the contest. Kenny Bayless, the official for many of Mayweather’s recent bouts, was ruled out after previously voicing his criticism of the clash, which will see the 49-0 Mayweather taking on, in McGregor, a man making his boxing debut.

“They gave us options, and we didn’t necessarily ask for any ref in particular,” McGregor said. “There was a ref or two who gave opinions, and if that’s the case it makes it hard.

“Robert Byrd is a phenomenal ref. He lets the fight take place and steps in when he should step in. He has some links to the MMA world as well, so that’s good.”

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