than simply a fight. I think for 'fans' one might say it's more of a Boxing vs UFC than man vs man. That's just my impression, obviously.. taken from a few things I've read on the Internet and also some comments on this board and among friends.
Here's an example: I have 3 very close friends who are avid boxing fans. They have remained boxing fans since Boxing lost it's luster. They know them all, (boxers all weight divisions). All three of them do not like Mayweather... perhaps detest him. All three are pulling for Mayweather. "Boxing" is taking precedence for them.
As for the UFC.. I don't have many close friends who follow the UFC... but I know some casual friends who do. I've talked to a few of them. Most, (I think maybe all), of them prefer UFC.. like Az on our board. They are all cheering for McGregor BUT... none I talked to think he can win this fight.
Me personally: I don't follow boxing much these days, very little. At one time I loved it. The corruption... and I have to admit the violence of the sport, has dimmed my interest. That said... if it's a big boxing match, big names, I'll watch, with interest. I'm not fond of Mayweather... I MUCH prefer Boxing over UFC.. not even close... and I would rather McGregor won. ( I don't think he has a snowball's chance in hell).
I do not see, (just one man's opinion and UFC fans won't like this), any where NEAR the skill level in UFC as I do in boxing. Granted - if a UFC fighter got lucky and landed a kick it would be devastating... but I see no way they could do that against a true boxer, (some of the lesser boxing talents sure). And in this fight.. no kicks, (I assume)... just fists.... and thus the entire match makes no sense to me. For me it's like a champion ping pong player donning shoulder pads and trying to block Donald. - JamesJM