Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor Toronto press conference as it happened: Stars agree to bet their pay cheques
Mayweather and McGregor went face to face for a second time on Wednesday night, after an explosive and controversial first meeting in Los Angeles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor kicked off a four-city promotional tour on Tuesday at the Staples Center, facing off in front of a raucous crowd that thoroughly enjoyed this circus' first stop in Hollywood.
Both fighters promised a knockout, and they had a prolonged shouting match during their second faceoff, with UFC President Dana White stepping between them.
Predictably the encounter was controversial, with McGregor enjoying the lion’s share of public backing and largely getting the better of the verbal sparring.
The fighter was however criticised for shouting “Dance for me, boy!” at his opponent, although Floyd Mayweather Snr later defended the Irishman and played down the suggestion his comment was racist.
The press tour stops off in Toronto tonight, and you can bet there will be more drama, more controversy and more threats.
The drama is due to get underway at 10.30pm, so join us from around 9pm for live coverage of the second press conference.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
The fighters are backstage and it's almost time for his press conference to kick off!
Also, this sign is incredible:
Baka Not Nice has just finished up performing for the crowd (nope, me neither) and an announcer promises the crowd the press conference will begin in five minutes.
I thought it was meant to start an hour and 20 minutes ago but let's not nitpick.
He reads out Floyd Mayweather's name. Boos. And then Conor McGregor's. Cheers. He then again promises the conference will start in "less than five minutes," and is roundly booed until he leaves the stage. This couldn't be more panto if it tried. He's behind you!
Drake has taken to the stage.
"Listen, I'm going to be honest. I came here to witness history tonight," he says. He's probably going to end up disappointed then. "This is going to be the greatest boxing match in the history of the world, so of course they had to come to the greatest city in the world to promote it.
"I want to welcome both fighters to the city that we love. My name is Drake and I love each and every one of you."
Cheers, Drake!
As expected, McGregor makes his way to the stage first.
This already feels a lot better organised than the LA press conference, when Mayweather tried to steal a march on his opponent.
This time, McGregor is given a proper introduction complete with VT, and actually appears to be prepared for what's about to happen.
Mayweather makes his way to the stage. Very, very slowly.
He's loudly booed.
McGregor meanwhile holds court in the middle of the stage giving it some of this:
Espinoza is back on stage. He's getting booed so loudly it's again pretty hard to hear what he's saying.
I'll take an educated guess:
"Thanks to Mayweather. Thanks to McGregor. Thanks to Mayweather Promotions. Thanks to the UFC. Don't forget to buy this fight on Showtime PPV. It's going to be great. It's going to be fun. It's going to be the best thing you've ever seen in your life. Cheers lads I'll see you later."
Wow, Espinoza isn't enjoying this. He's shaking a little bit as he attempts to get out his words, but he's being drowned out by loud chants of "F*** OFF, F*** OFF".
He finishes what he's trying to say, and promptly accepts the advice of the crowd.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments