Sugar Ray Leonard Gives Advice to Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather

John Salangsang/Associated Press

Sugar Ray Leonard believes Conor McGregor's best tactic for his match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Aug. 26 will be to "duck" the punches.    

Although Leonard believes the reigning UFC lightweight champion is a tough fighter, he told TMZ Sports at LAX on Tuesday he doesn't think the Irish mixed martial artist will be much of a challenge for Mayweather.

Leonard also said it would be "very impressive" if McGregor went the distance with Mayweather.

Significantly, Leonard noted he doesn't believe this so-called crossover superfight will make a "mockery" of boxing. Even so, the 61-year-old is expecting a lopsided fight when Mayweather and McGregor meet in Las Vegas.

From a purist perspective, it is likely a natural boxer such as Mayweather would dominate McGregor. The Irishman is a game fighter, but he is versed in multiple disciplines and has never fought as a professional boxer, while his opponent is a master of one. Mayweather will have the know-how to avoid McGregor's striking style and set the pace he wants to wear him down.

While the bout may not be as lopsided as Leonard suggests, it would be a surprise if it ended with anything other than Mayweather seeing his hand raised to go 50-0 for his career.