Some sporting events are able to grasp the attention of a worldwide audience like nothing else and the boxing clash between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Ireland's Conor McGregor "The Notorious" live from Las Vegas tonight is one such example.
Boxing is perpetually characterised by its ability to stage some of the biggest bouts which draw in punters who wouldn't otherwise usually watch or bet on the sport and this event has definitely captured the imagination, whipping the public into a punting frenzy almost on a par with The Grand National.
Tonight's bout, reportedly a £500 million showdown sees UFC lightweight champion McGregor switch codes and take on one of the finest boxers in Mayweather of his generation who boasts a 49-0 record. Bookmakers are reporting up to 80% of bets placed by the public are on McGregor and a win for the Irishman would KO the bookies to the tune of £250 - one of the biggest payouts of all time.
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Back Conor McGregor at a huge 49/1 with Betsafe - winnings paid in cash
Our man Danny Archer has looked for a couple of bets for the fight of a generation.
McGregor is undoubtedly the underdog with Mayweather a general 1/4 favourite to win the contest. American Mayweather has come out of retirement for the bout as he seeks to gain his 50th career victory, which would surpass Rocky Marciano's 49-0 record. He has won 26 of his 49 bouts on points and has only been knocked down once in 2001. Whilst rumours have circulated that Floyd has lost some of his ability, many still expect him to have too much nous for MMA man McGregor. This is a view definitely shared by high rolling punters both in Vegas and on this side of the Atlantic, with William Hill reporting a $1.2m stake on 'Money' while Ladbrokes have taken several six-figure wagers on the same man. It's easy to see why the heavyweights have started to take an interest as when the fight was first announced, Mayweather opened at an unbackable 1/20 with McGregor as big as 8/1. According to Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes, 'the big boys are really coming out to play now and they're finding the 'generous' odds on Mayweather hard to resist as we edge closer to the fight.'
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A general 10/3 shot, Irishman McGregor has lit up the MMA world. Bar a defeat by Nate Diaz, the UFC lightweight champion has been simply electric and he now takes a step into the unknown by switching codes to fight Mayweather in a professional boxing bout. Many experts and give McGregor no chance and agree that it will be the biggest shock in the history of boxing were he to win. Is he able to last 12 rounds, will his attacking prowess see an early knockdown or will Mayweather, one of the finest defensive boxers the world has ever seen simply outlast and frustrate McGregor?
This is why this fight is so fascinating and grasped the attention of a world audience. A strong Irish contingent will give McGregor ample support but I feel that unless he can get at Mayweather in the opening stages, it could be a long night for him. Mayweather will try and make the opening exchanges as cagey as possible so will McGregor have the mental discipline and physical ability to last 12 rounds if he can't KO Floyd early?
With that in mind, Mayweather to win by KO/TKO or disqualification at a general 4/6 looks a sensible shout.
If McGregor does start positively, Mayweather to knocked down and win at 6/1 might also be interesting. As you can imagine there are a plethora of specials, boosts and concessions designed to get punters to part with their cash so whatever your view on the fight it's a certainty you'll find a punt you fancy.
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There are more new customer offers than you can shake a stick at as bookies try and capitalise on one of the biggest betting events in history. We like official McGregor sponsor Betsafe's 49/1 boost as the winnings (to a £1 stake) are paid in cash, not free bets like several others. Get it here.
Whatever happens tonight, it promises to be a fascinating and once in a generation fight.
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