Jeff Horn on Mayweather-McGregor

Fresh off his controversial win over Manny Pacquiao, newly crowned WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn has more than a passing interest in Saturday’s fight. He of course is picking Mayweather. But he believes McGregor has something, even if it’s hard to put that something into words.

“I hope Mayweather annihilates him and I think he will,” Horn told Grantlee Kieza of the Courier Mail. “But I like McGregor, much more than Mayweather. McGregor is hilarious and a great entertainer. It will be dreadful for the sport of boxing if Mayweather, one of the greatest fighters of all time, gets rolled by a guy having his first fight but I can’t see McGregor doing too well even with all the hype.”

If he manages to land a few punches, McGregor will have done more than many of us expect.

“Their fight is going to be under boxing rules and Mayweather will probably not even get hit,” Horn said. “If McGregor’s got any sense he’ll crash tackle Floyd at the opening bell and put a chokehold on him, get disqualified and then they’ll have a rematch and make even more money.”

Horn used some questionable tactics to earn the decision over Pacquiao. I’m not sure if a “crash tackle” and “chokehold” was among them, but whatever it was it worked.

But why all the interest in what looks to be a boxing match in name only?

“I would love a crack at Mayweather. He’s super-slick, a terrific boxer and I want to beat the very best. He could challenge me for the world welterweight title. And if McGregor wanted to fight me I’d take it right now. I wouldn’t be worried one bit.”