'BANG HIM'

Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather: Heavyweight legend Larry Holmes says UFC star can beat boxing star with simple strategy

Stuart Atkins

Published: 10:54, 10 Aug 2017
Updated: 0:50, 11 Aug 2017

RING legend Larry Homes believes Conor McGregor could make easy work of Floyd Mayweather.

The boxing icon – who won 69 of his 75 fights, including his 1980 clash with Muhammad Ali – explained how the UFC star can pull off the giant shock.

The former IBF and WBC king seems to think Mystic Mac has been overlooked by the boxing fans who view the billion-dollar August 26 fight as a glaring mismatch.

And he has given a very simple description of how the MMA master can do the unthinkable and beat one of boxing’s best ever.

Holmes told the Bald Faced Truth Radio Show: "Don't sell McGregor short. He doesn't have to do too much to win.

"All he has to do is get him in the corner and bang him.

"Put his hands up over his head, get down low, keep coming in and throw punches once you get him against the ropes."

Conor McGregor is confident he has the boxing skills to shock the world and defeat Floyd MayweatherCredit: Instagram @brandonmagnus_photo

Conor McGregor did not let up in his sparring session with retired boxing world champ Paulie MalignaggiCredit: Instagram

This was the photo from the Conor McGregor sparring session that shows Paulie Malignaggi on the canvas

Larry Holmes cried in the ring after beating Muhammad Ali as he adored the man dubbed The GreatestCredit: AP:Associated Press

Larry Holmes made repeated ring comebacks and boxed as recently as 2002 aged 52Credit: AP:Associated Press

Larry Holmes dominated the heavyweight division and made the third most title defencesCredit: Reuters

Holmes - who became the lineal heavyweight king when he became the only man to stop Ali - believes Mayweather's legendary defensive style is beatable.

And, after making repeated comeback attempts and fighting as recently as 2002 aged 52, Holmes recognises the two goals the Irishman is targeting.

The veteran said: "He's going to tie him up and try to hit him on the break.

"McGregor has to put his hands up, stay right on top of him and keep him from hitting him. It's going to be an interesting fight.

"People are selling (McGregor) short. This guy is an athlete.

"He sees a lot of money, and he sees a medal on his chest if he can get over this hump."

Larry Holmes dominated Ali from the opening bell before the fight was stoppedCredit: Getty - Contributor

Angelo Dundee threw the towel in to stop Ali taking any more punishment from HolmesCredit: Getty - Contributor

Holmes could never truly enjoy his victory over Ali as he had idolised the boxing legendCredit: Getty - Contributor

LIVE: THE VERY LATEST UPDATES FROM McGREGOR VS MAYWEATHER

Have you signed up to play fantasy football yet?

If the answer is no you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

most read in boxing

Have you signed up to play fantasy football yet?