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Boxing

21st Jun 2017

Conor McGregor can use one MMA move that once sent a Mayweather through the ropes

Way more common in MMA than boxing

Ben Kiely

There are a lot of techniques Conor McGregor can’t use against Floyd Mayweather on August 26.

As much as Joe Rogan might like to see it, Conor McGregor landing a kick in the boxing bout would result in an immediate disqualification.

Contract stipulations will ensure that ‘The Notorious’ doesn’t try a sneaky elbow against the undefeated pugilist. He can’t hit Mayweather with the Stockton Slap because striking with an open glove is illegal.

He can’t hit Mayweather with the Stockton Slap because striking with an open glove are illegal.

Spinning back fists are also off the table as you cannot strike your opponent with the backhand.

There is one striking technique we’ve become accustomed to seeing inside the Octagon that McGregor could implement against ‘Money’ according to to Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza. He told Fight Hype that he believes a superman punch is a legal blow in boxing.

“I’ve been talking to the guys about this. I think a superman punch is well within the rules. A back fist probably wouldn’t be, but there’s a lot of different things that can be done to throw off timing from strange angles. I can guarantee you Floyd’s never seen anyone coming in throwing a superman punch before.”

A superman punch is a martial arts technique where the fighter lunges off the lead leg and strikes with a flying fist. Jose Aldo punctuated his first win against Frankie Edgar at UFC 156. Aldo used the cage to propel his knuckles towards The Answer’s face.

Floyd has not dealt with the technique before, but a member of the Mayweather clan has been knocked down by it.

On July 7, 1985, Roger Mayweather challenged Julio Cesar Chavez for the WBC super featherweight title. The Mexican made light work of Floyd’s uncle. He scored a stellar second round TKO victory to retain his belt and improve his win streak to 47 on the trot.

Before the coup de grace, Roger was blasted through the ropes with a superman punch. He required the full 10 seconds before being able to continue, just in time to be put away.

Will McGregor try this ambitious technique against arguably the greatest defensive boxer ever? We’ll just have to wait and see.