Monday Merge: Mayweather, McGregor, Money, and More Money

Sports and poker. Poker and sports. While the “Is poker a sport?” debate is an endless endeavor with no true answer in sight, Poker Central is blending the two together. At the start of each week, the “Monday Merge” fuses sports and poker, drawing loose comparisons, and even looser transitions, between the only two things we really care about.

Ouch! #FloydMaweather lands on #ConorMcGregor. ??: @allelbows pic.twitter.com/f7e96IvHXw

— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) August 27, 2017

The most lucrative and perhaps anticipated fight in the history of boxing lived up to the hype. After UFC Champion Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather put the build-up of the fight behind them and fought, they did not disappoint. McGregor came out with the energy many expected but as the fight progressed, looked tired, outclassed and eventually, worn down. Mayweather took advantage and in the 10^th round, the referee stepped in front of McGregor to stop the fight with 1:55 remaining in the period.

50 – 0

— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) August 27, 2017

With the stoppage in the 10^th, Floyd Mayweather moved his career record to 50-0. Fifty wins, zero loses. Love him, hate him, care about him or not, that figure is unmatched in the boxing world and while Mayweather’s legacy was not really at risk in this fight, that figure alone likely solidifies himself as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers ever.

Congrats on a amazing career @FloydMayweather ….The sport of boxing will miss you man. Nothing but love and respect for you man!!!

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) August 27, 2017

We weren’t the only ones watching and excited about Mayweather vs. McGregor. Professional athletes, fighters, celebrities, and more took in the action and gave both fighters props after the fight. Manny Pacquiao, who was involved in the last Mayweather super-fight, congratulated Mayweather on his 50^th victory, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, Shaquille O’Neal, Joel Embiid, Chance the Rapper and Super High Roller Bowl participant Kevin Hart.

“We’re so rich!” pic.twitter.com/LRrUhTNr9E

— Zacharias (@zachATTACK2010) August 27, 2017

Win, lose or draw, each of these fighters were going to get paid on Saturday night. While the exact figures likely won’t be released or known until the final pay-per-view numbers are tabulated, Mayweather was guaranteed $100 million and McGregor was guaranteed $30 million. When PPV numbers are finalized, Mayweather expects to eclipse $300 million and McGregor should take home north of $100 million. Not bad for a day of work…

Floyd Mayweather says a casino denied him from betting on himself prior to McGregor fight. https://t.co/3bwLrRXWFq pic.twitter.com/O6p8TuIuLe

— Complex (@Complex) August 27, 2017

Apparently Floyd Mayweather wanted to make a little more money than his expected $300 million though. Mayweather was looking to bet $400,000 on himself but some Las Vegas casinos wouldn’t take the action. That makes sense, as other professional athletes aren’t allowed to bet on themselves but even though he didn’t actually do it, it looks like Mayweather was ready to put his money where his mouth was. 

Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017

In completely unrelated news, which is also far more important than a boxing match, NFL star JJ Watt is doing his part to help in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The storm hit Texas this weekend and Houston, where Watt plays, has been one of the worst hit areas. Watt donated $100,000 to relief efforts this weekend and Watt is hoping to help raise another half-million dollars to help his community. Charitable efforts are nothing new in the poker world and you can learn more about Watt’s cause here.