By Edward Chaykovsky
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe had a laugh when he was informed that UFC champion Conor McGregor was issued a boxing license by the California State Athletic Commission.
McGregor received the license on Wednesday and attempted to obtain a license from Nevada, but his application was denied due to numerous issues with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
McGregor has been calling out Floyd Mayweather Jr. for several months. Mayweather himself has fueled their ongoing war of words by stating in several interviews, and on social media, that he was open to idea of facing McGregor in a boxing match.
The biggest hurdle in making this fantasy fight is McGregor being able to obtain permission from the UFC. That likely won't happen, as UFC President Dana White has made it clear that he won't allow McGregor to face Mayweather in a straight boxing match - and the UFC would have to be directly involved every step of the way.
Because McGregor is contractually tied to the UFC, he can't move forward in a boxing match with anyone unless White issues a green light.
"He got a boxing license. Congratulations to him. Conor McGregor can say anything he wants to, but he has a boss, and his name is Dana White. He is under contract to the UFC, and if he wanted to fight Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match he can't because his bosses wouldn't allow that to happen," Ellerbe told ESPN.
“They would never — and put this in bold caps — let him step into a boxing ring with Floyd Mayweather, because everyone knows what the outcome would be. He would get his ass beat from pillar to post. [Mayweather] beat world champions over a 20-year period and here's a guy, McGregor, who has about 20 fights and lost three of them, and three fights ago he was seen on the mat quitting. What are we talking about?"
“And I have a great deal of respect for what he does for a living. Floyd and I have nothing against UFC or any of their fighters. I respect all fighters who step in a ring or the Octagon, but Floyd is in the Bahamas enjoying life. He's not thinking about Conor McGregor or anyone else.
"What McGregor is attempting to do is take a page out of Floyd's book from the marketing and promotional side by using his name. The quickest way to become famous is to align yourself with another famous person, and he's done a good job of that."
