Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather praises Conor McGregor's marketing strategy

Retired boxing professional superstar Floyd Mayweather has praised Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstar Conor McGregor's marketing technique and claimed that Irishman may have adopted his strategy.

McGregor, who is currently the biggest draw in UFC, is chasing history and would want to become the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold two titles in different divisions. The Irishman has cemented himself as the biggest name in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world with a blueprint that in many ways is similar to what Mayweather used as he became the highest paid athlete in the sport.

"If he did take anything from me, if he did steal my blueprint then, I think it's a good thing. I think he's a hell of a fighter. He can fight. He can box real good. As far as stand up, he's very good at standing up fighting. Everyone is asking me 'are we going to fight' and I just don't know," Mayweather said, as quoted by Yahoo.

The duo sent fans into a frenzy after talking about a potential super fight, but it did not materialise as McGregor eventually took part in UFC 202 where he beat Nate Diaz in a rematch. Mayweather on the other hand did not make a comeback from retirement and is focusing on his boxing promotion company – Mayweather Promotions.

The 39-year-old admitted that he tried to make the super fight, but he was not bothered as it did not materialise.

"Within my company, I'm the boss. I call the shots. I think that the fight is very difficult to make. I tried to make that before, it didn't happen but you live and you learn. I'm loving retirement, but for a couple more bucks you just don't know," the boxing legend added.

Mayweather retired from professional boxing following his win over Andre Berto on 12 September 2015 and ended with a 49-0 win-loss record. Talks of a potential comeback made the rounds earlier this year, but nothing has been officially confirmed by Mayweather.