Floyd Mayweather and UFC champion Conor McGregor traded barbs during a lively press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, delighting a rowdy crowd ahead of their Aug. 26 fight in Las Vegas.
The media conference was the first in a four-day international tour promoting the bout.
The contrasts between the two was immediately apparent as McGregor, wearing a navy pinstriped suit and tie, danced around the stage smiling while Mayweather, wearing a track suit with American flag details, looked on stonefaced.
As is expected in the bout, McGregor was the aggressor, wasting no time bringing up reports that Mayweather earlier this month asked the IRS for more time to pay his 2015 tax bill.
"He's in a track suit," McGregor told the crowd of more than 11,000 people, who largely cheered the Irishman and booed the American. "He can't even afford a suit anymore."
Later when Mayweather, whose nickname is "Money" and who frequently uses cash as a prop, pulled out a $100 million cheque on stage, McGregor told him to "give it to the taxman".
When asked about the tax issue, Mayweather said his attorneys were working on it and did not worry him.
Mayweather was more subdued than the fiery 28-year-old, reminding reporters that even though he is a heavy favourite, he is 40 years old and that anything can happen in a fight.
He said he expected McGregor, who has never fought a professional boxing match, to try to pummel the defensive-minded Mayweather, who is putting his perfect 49-0 record on the line.
"This is for the fans," Mayweather said. "This is about the two greatest in each of their sports, the two best of all time, two worlds colliding. This is about giving the fans what they demand."
McGregor, who is expected to make about $100 million for the fight, wasn't buying it.
"Floyd says it's about the fans, but he's doing this because he's in a dire situation," McGregor said. "I hope he's smart with his money from this."
"I believe he had to take this fight because he is in a dire financial situation. I am still trying to learn this tax game myself. I'm only new money.
"But it doesn't sound like a good position to be in. He was whipping out the check, but he owes his b******* out. That's over now and everyone sees that it's over."
Mayweather's father, former welterweight standout Floyd Mayweather Sr., had stuck around for McGregor's press conference, and he took umbrage, leading to 10 minutes of back-and-forth banter.
"Who has more money, you or Floyd?" the elder Mayweather finally asked.
"After he pays his tax bill, I will," McGregor responded.
