Bob Bennett, the Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, fully understands why some critics are ripping him for approving Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor showdown.
McGregor, while regarded as one of the best fighters in mixed martial arts, has no experience as a professional boxer. Mayweather on the other hand, is regarded by many as one of the best defensive boxers of all-time.
Mayweather, now 40 years old, will be fighting for the first time since he retired from the sport in September of 2015, when he dominated Andre Berto over twelve rounds at Las Vegas' MGM Grand.
The Showtime Pay-Per-View fight is scheduled to take place on August 28th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Bennett appears to have been influenced by a number of factors - which include Mayweather's age (compared to McGregor only being 28), Mayweather's inactivity, McGregor's pound-for-pound standing in MMA, and McGregor's ability to strike.
McGregor is a two division champion in the UFC and currently holds their lightweight title.
Even when considering all of the factors, most experts view the contest as a complete mismatch.
Others have a big problem with Mayweather being presented with an easy opportunity to raise his undefeated record to 50-0.
"I understand completely (why some people don't agree with my approval of this fight)," Bennett told the Nevada Appeal. "(Boxing and MMA) are two completely different disciplines. But as a regulator this ended up on my desk and I had to find a way to approve or not approve it. In this day and age you have to change with the times."
"This is a fight between two warriors. It's an approvable boxing match. I see no reason not to approve it. McGregor has not one amateur fight (as a boxer). I understand your position. But first off, McGregor is the taller, larger, longer, stronger, younger fighter."
"No one is the same at 40 or 35. There are enough reasons that Conor is an approvable, worthy opponent. He's primarily known in the MMA as a striker. He's arguably the best MMA fighter out there."
