More light needs to be shone on Conor McGregor’s boxing display against Floyd Mayweather back in 2017.The 32-year-old UFC icon crossed sports in 2017 to face off with ‘Money’ Mayweather in the ring. To no surprise, the American came out on top on the night after sealing a TKO win in the 10th round of the fight, picking up a £275 million cheque in the process.Regardless, McGregor did put up a fight, but provided fans with some hilarious moments during the encounter. Two standout moments involved both his offence and defence. Completely gassed out late on in the fight, McGregor seemed to have forgotten how to guard his face. Mayweather’s expertise were prevalent on the night. He allowed McGregor to go all out in the first four rounds in order to tire him out. After that, it was Mayweather’s time to punish the fatigued UFC featherweight and lightweight double champion.With his arms all over the place and back pedalling in panic, McGregor practically gave Mayweather a free right punch to the face. It was quite possibly the worst bit of defending in boxing history and it was surprising Mayweather didn’t take more advantage of the opportunity. 

McGregor also went viral for all the wrong reasons, again, but for his offensive play this time.

Notorious attempted a jab with his right hand, but executed the most tame, pathetic punch in the entire match. 

His effort tapped his opponent’s nose, leaving Mayweather unfazed and undoubtedly confused. 

Praising Mayweather after the encounter, McGregor said: “Congrats to Floyd Mayweather on a well-fought match.

“He’s very experienced and methodical in his work. I wish him well in retirement. He is a heck of a boxer.

“His experience, his patience, and his endurance won him this fight, hands down. I always told him he was not a fighter but a boxer. But sharing the ring with him, he is undoubtedly a solid fighter.

“Strong in the clinch, great understanding of frames and head position. He has some powerful tools he could bring into an MMA game for sure.”

The result was Mayweather’s 50th win in the ring and marked his retirement from boxing. 

In hindsight, the match result was not far from inevitable. However, anyone associated in any combat sports should be proud of McGregor’s cameo. Not many fighters could cross over and perform so convincingly in their first ever boxing match against one of the sport’s greats.