With Floyd Mayweather's clash with Conor McGregor fast approaching, excitement is building for when the two finally meet in the ring later this month.

Mayweather comes into the fight as the heavy favourite due to his pedigree in the boxing world, having gone 49-0 in what has been an all-conquering career.

But, despite his impeccable record, the American still believes he owes something to the public after a disappointing string of displays in his past few outings.

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The boxing great pointed to his display against Manny Pacquiao as his reasoning, hinting that his defensive style of boxing led to an underwhelming fight in what should have been one of the fights of the century.

In an interview with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, Mayweather commented: "This can't be a defensive fight. I have to go to him.

"I owe the public because of the Pacquiao fight. They weren't pleased with that.

“They're gonna be pleased with this fight here.”

After his promise to undertake a more aggressive style of boxing against McGregor, the American admitted he was not the boxer he used to be, and that he has lost the punching power that he possessed in the past.

"I used to have a 90 percent knockout ratio," he said.

"It's obvious I slipped somewhere. Something has taken a toll on my career."

Mayweather's entire boxing career has been built on his ability to defend, and his ability to avoid being punched.

But, by the sounds of it, the American great will be looking to knock his opponent out when the duo collide at the end of the month, potentially taking a massive risk.

If Money abandons his defensive mindset, he could find himself getting caught by Notorious' vicious punches, which could signal the end for the American, and potentially one of the biggest shocks in sporting history.

Mayweather will be chasing his 50th career win when he and McGregor finally meet in the ring in Nevada on August 26.