Boxing is a unique sport, where fighters are fixated on one opponent for months on end without seeing their rival for much of that time.

When they do finally meet, it is usually for a press conference or the weigh-in where bitter words are often exchanged, as the boxers try to get the psychological edge ahead of their upcoming contest.

So, where would you not want to bump into your opponent? Late at night at an airport after seeing that fighter just a matter of hours earlier, maybe? Well, that's exactly what happened when Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor came across each other before their lucrative fight in 2017.

As the two icons of their respective sports waited for their flights following a press conference earlier that day, Mayweather attempted to antagonise McGregor by repeatedly asking "what's up little dude?"

Known for his fiery temper, many may have expected the Irish southpaw to bite back, but he instead opted to merely acknowledge Mayweather before walking on towards his private plane.

As the video below shows, McGregor explained that he chose to ignore Mayweather's jibes as he did not want to cause a scene when the legendary boxer was surrounded by his family.

"You know what? I'm not the type of c*** to disrespect a man like that, sitting there with his family and s***.

"You know, sitting down with his daughter and all. He said that. He engaged with me and then I stopped," he said.

Today marks the three-year anniversary since the lucrative bout between Mayweather and McGregor took place under the bright Las Vegas lights.

The former two-weight UFC champion started well, but Mayweather settled into the fight and started to pick McGregor apart as the rounds went on, eventually forcing a stoppage in the 10th round.

The pair have teased a rematch in the years since, but it has not materialised yet. If it does, let's hope there are no awkward encounters in airports this time around.