Conor McGregor is on the same level as Muhammad Ali when it comes to being a pioneer of their respective sports, and securing the bag, according to one of Mike Tyson's former coaches.
"Conor is up there at that level," boxing trainer Teddy Atlas said on his podcast this week.
Related
Anthony Joshua Hints About Future Retirement in Latest Comments
Anthony Joshua dropped a hint about future retirement in latest comments about boxing.
Conor McGregor Likened to Muhammad Ali
Atlas waxes lyrical over 'Notorious' impact
McGregor and Ali are comparable, according to Atlas, because they "brought the sport to a different level of paydays."
"Ali was in hospital for like a week with bloody clots in his legs," said Atlas, "but he got $7million. $7million back then was unheard of, it was like if you got $100million [today]."
"I think Conor is that guy."
Atlas continued: "You know, he’s been a pioneer in his sport. If this marks the end of him being that fighter in that world, with all the controversy and everything else, it shouldn’t be forgotten that he was once a great fighter and will continue to be one of the great promoters.
"I mentioned Ali, I don’t think it was a misstep on my part to put that name there for the reason I did."
Self-promotion is also something they share in common, said Atlas.
"As a pioneer, Ali brought paydays to another level. So did Conor. And Ali was one of the greatest promoters – if not the greatest – in sports of all time, and Conor is up there at that level."
McGregor has two fights left on his current UFC deal. It's unclear if he'll renew with the UFC, sign a contract to compete elsewhere, or even if he'll ever actually fight again.
-1744337246-q80.webp "Devin Haney Delivers Honest Verdict On Ryan Garcia’s Power After Suffering 3 Knockdowns")
-1740987422-q80.webp "Patrick Mahomes Helps Wife Brittany By Carrying Her Breast Milk in Car: ‘He’s Got The Goods’")
