Race should have no place in this fight, yet perception isn’t easy to change.
We’re just over a week shy from witnessing the biggest boxing match of all time as boxing’s all time great Floyd Mayweather returns from retirement to do battle with UFC champion Conor McGregor. It’s one of the most outlandish bouts ever signed and has many a boxing fan in a tizzy. But whether you’re a purest or a casual fan, there’s no doubt that you’ll be tuning in to see the outcome.
Leading into the fight the obvious parallels have been made between McGregor and Mayweather. Both are men with huge egos who enjoy making money as much as they enjoy furthering their legacy in combat sports. What’s not so similar is the race of these two men which has been played into by the media. Conor McGregor is a Caucasian Irishman while Floyd Mayweather is a Black American. It was obvious that the parallel was going to be brought up at some point as it so often is. While ignoring the fact that men have both been painted a certain way by the media is irresponsible, it’s equally controversial to claim that this bout is Black versus White.
The current climate in the US is nothing short of explosive. After the tragic violence and hatred demonstrated in Charlottesville, Virginia, to label this bout between two men Black vs White can be a truly dangerous sentiment. Let’s not pretend that there isn’t a racial issue in this country, but in reality by labeling the fight this way we end up marginalizing not only the struggle of racism, but the reality of this fight as well. This is a match between two rich, egotistical combat athletes.
The violence and hatred demonstrated in Charlottesville showcases that we have a long way to go to solving the issue of racism in this country. It also showcases how truly diverse combat sports can be. The American, Floyd Mayweather, has mastered the art of boxing, a western sport for all intents and purposes. The Irishman, Conor McGregor, is a proponent of studying martial arts from all around the world. We can play that game that promoters are giving more love to the White Irishman, that the media don’t want to see a confident Black athlete be victorious, but in Mayweather and McGregor there is already so much diversity present between the two that simply saying “the Black fighter versus the White fighter” becomes shortsighted. This is a money fight as much as it is a collision of worlds and a clash of styles. All the other labels like boxing vs MMA or Black vs White may carry weight with many individuals. To me, this is a legacy fight for two men who believe themselves to be the best at what they do. These words may not be able to totally curb the thought process of the all the masses, but take a minute to truly dissect this event, think on the real threat and horrid outcomes of racism, and challenge your own preconceived conclusions.
This is a money fight as much as it is a collision of worlds and a clash of styles. All the other labels like boxing vs MMA or Black vs White may carry weight with many individuals. To me, this is a legacy fight for two men who believe themselves to be the best at what they do. These words may not be able to totally curb the thought process of the all the masses, but take a minute to truly dissect this event, think on the real threat and horrid outcomes of racism, and challenge your own preconceived conclusions. Do you think Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor is Black vs White?
Do you think Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor is Black vs White?
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Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
