Conor McGregor might return to the boxing ring in a potential exhibition match against Logan Paul, but Stephen A Smith believes the UFC star may face an uphill battle.
Logan Paul May Outbox Conor McGregor Says Stephen A Smith
The ESPN analyst shared his perspective on the matchup, pointing out key factors that could work against McGregor.
“I think Logan Paul is going to beat him,” Smith said on ESPN’s ‘First Take.’
“I don’t think that Conor McGregor is a boxer; he’s a striker. So, he’s sitting up there, and he ain’t even throwing his jab. He’s pitter-pattering. You ain’t clipping Logan Paul like that. You’ve got to do more than that.”
“We don’t know yet (which size gloves they’re using), but it doesn’t matter,” Smith explained. “Unless it’s pillows like 16 or 18 ounces, it ain’t going to work. I just think that Logan Paul is bigger, he’s a much bigger man, he’s a more experienced boxer.”
“Those big muscles are going to make you a bit slower, and you’ve got to remember that Conor had quickness, he could catch you quick and clip you,” Smith added.
McGregor, who last competed in 2021, has been out of action for over two years. Since then, he has added significant weight, which some suggest may have reduced his speed and precision. Smith emphasized that these changes, combined with McGregor’s inactivity, could make him vulnerable in the ring.
Logan Paul, although relatively new to professional boxing, has been active in recent years. His experience includes bouts against Floyd Mayweather and Dillon Danis, where he demonstrated athletic growth and resilience. Smith noted that while Paul’s boxing resume is still developing, his preparation and activity might give him an edge.
McGregor’s only previous boxing match was in 2017, where he faced Floyd Mayweather. While he started strong in that fight, his performance diminished in the later rounds. Analysts, including Smith, believe a similar scenario could occur if McGregor steps back into the ring without addressing his conditioning.
Whether McGregor’s combat experience will outweigh Logan Paul’s recent activity remains uncertain. The potential fight has sparked analysis and discussion, with contrasting views on who might prevail in the ring.
