Moments after Floyd Mayweather put a beat down on Conor McGregor, an awkward moment occurred when McGregor made a reference to Mexicans. The casual fan of boxing probably viewed it as another racist remark when McGregor told Mayweather, “I turned him into a Mexican.” However, in the world of boxing, Mexican fighters are known for their aggressive approach to fighting. And Mayweather’s aggressive style against McGregor was a contrast from his previous fights where he uses defense to gain victories.
McGregor’s comment wasn’t meant to offend, but it added to the fight’s storyline of race and sports. The racist remarks by McGregor were highlighted during the press tour. McGregor referred to Mayweather as “boy” and told him to dance. In the past, the term “boy” was used as a racial epithet by Whites who wanted to belittle grown Black men. Instead of giving Black men the respect they deserved, White men used “boy” as a way to take away the confidence and importance of Black men in America. Although McGregor is from Ireland, he should know that the racial slur is bigger than playing “mind games” against an opponent for a fight. It’s disparaging to an entire group of people. For his part, Mayweather decided to stay calm and never allowed McGregor’s antics to keep him off of his game plan.
Along with the fight, the comments served as a reminder of the racial history between Blacks and the Irish. Although the Irish faced abuse and discrimination when they came to America in the 19th century, they were also abusive against Blacks. The New York Riot of 1863 began when Irish gangs used violence and intimidation against Black workers on the docks. Also, a recent study by Enar revealed that Black Africans face the most racist abuse in Ireland. The racial history, along with McGregor’s comments, helped to propel the fight into a battle of Irish vs. Blacks.
Moreover, in a sport where Blacks and Hispanics are the majority of champions, the possibility of a major White boxing champion was also appealing. It helped to fuel ticket sells and purchases on Pay Per View. The fight of the century became bigger than Mayweather and McGregor. It was a fight that detailed the history of race relations in the nation and in sports.
But in the end, the racial hype was likely just a ploy. The two fighters made millions in less than an hour of boxing. After all that was said and done, green became the only color that truly mattered.
