Floyd Mayweather expects Conor McGregor to fight “extremely dirty” in their fight later this month.
The American boxer, Mayweather watched footage of the Dubliner sparring with former world champion Paulie Malignaggi and as a result he is expecting a lot of illegal actions.
McGregor also employed former referee Joe Cortez to help him adapt to boxing rules as he looks to face one of the greatest ever exponents of the sweet science.
The former world champion is ready for whatever the MMA king and believes he is risking his reputation in taking on the fight.
“A lot of shots were illegal,” Mayweather said. “Lots of grappling and illegal punching behind the head.
“He had Joe Cortez in his camp but I still saw him being extremely dirty. My job is not to worry about the referee but to let the referee do his job.
“I truly believe I am taking a bigger risk but it’s a big reward for both of us. I have the 49-0 record. When a fighter has been dominant for 20 odd years, everything is on the line.
“I just try to focus on being positive. I try not to think about taking a loss. Every day I tell myself I’m a winner. I was born to be a winner in life. Whatever I do I try to give 100% and go to the limit.
“It’s all about taking a risk and I wouldn’t be where I’m at. I don’t mind putting the 49 and 0 on the line, I think it’s worth it.”