In further evidence of just how exclusive Floyd Mayweather’s fight against Conor McGregor is, both fighters will fight wearing 8oz gloves when they meet in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on August 26.
Rules state that bouts in the 154lbs division, where Mayweather and McGregor will meet, must use 10oz gloves. But both fighters submitted requests to wear the lighter its and the Nevada State Athletic Commission approved the demands on Wednesday morning.
The NSAC relaxed their rules on a one-time only basis. For Mayweather and McGregor, they get what they want.
Boxing fans presumed Mayweather wouldn’t request 8oz gloves due to his desire to stick with what he’s used to.
But the American has always insisted he would be willing to go down to 8oz, even telling McGregor that he can wear 4oz gloves - which he uses for UFC bouts - at one stage.
One imagines the outcome of the fight will depend on the better performer on the night - not the weight of the gloves - but McGregor has still deemed the NSAC’s ruling big enough to react on Instagram.
It was also announced that Robert Byrd will referee the fight, with Burt Clements, Dave Morreti and Guido Cavalerri named as judges.
McGregor's Instagram post
“I am very pleased with the Nevada State Athletic Commission's handling of my next bout today,” McGregor wrote. “Fair play was kept all the way through.
“Referee - Hall of famer Robert Byrd. Judges - Burt Clements. Dave Morreti and Guido Cavalerri.
“8oz gloves approved. With pre and post fight analysis of the gloves on the night.
“This was handled very well and very fairly by the NSAC. I am very pleased and respect the Commissions ruling on this.
“10 days until fight time.”
Both pairs of gloves must have a sufficient amount of padding, and will be inspected by the commission’s chairman and executive chairman on the evening of the fight to ensure they meet the stipulations.
The NSAC will then collect the gloves after the bout.
The heavier 10oz gloves are used in the 154lbs division for added protection but McGregor’s camp don’t believe there will be any more reason for concern.
“On behalf of Team McGregor, we believe it’s fine,” Michael Mersch, McGregor’s representative said, per MMA Fighting. “We don’t have any health and safety concerns on the behalf of our fighter.”