Andre Ward explains how Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is good for boxing

This week, the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing match was formally announced, giving the MMA community plenty to discuss until the two men finally step into the ring together on August 26th.

While many are thrilled for the fight, some, such as Oscar De La Hoya, believe that a Mayweather-McGregor fight has no benefits for boxing, and could even set the sport back.

The way WBA, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight champion Andre Ward sees it however, not only is the fight an intriguing matchup, it’s actually good for boxing!

He spoke to Fight Hub TV:

“I think it’s good for boxing. I like it. I’m gonna watch it. I don’t really have an opinion about it in terms of a negative sense. It’s cool. It’s all good.

“I think if you don’t want to watch it, you don’t have to tune in. You don’t have to follow the build up. You can turn the channel or not read it. I’m not here to promote their fight but I think that the attention that all us fighters are getting – you know, we’re asked about it every time we do an interview from mainstream media – I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think it can be good, just understand what you’re signing up for. Understand what it is.”

“I think it’s kind of cool that he’s going for 50 in a unique, different way like this instead of just fighting an average guy. And he’s getting paid to do it so you can’t knock that.”

UFC President Dana White of course shares the same sentiment as Ward, and has predicted that the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather Pay Per-View, which will have the undercard finalized by Mayweather Promotions, will do over five million buys, more than any other PPV in combat sports history.

on 6/16/2017.