McGregor's Management Claim 'Sparring Knockout' Rumour Is False

Has he? Hasn't he? It seems that the story of Conor McGregor being knocked out in training is not as clear as we first thought.

American boxer Jessie Vargas claimed that 'The Notorious' had been sparked out in a sparring session, but McGregor's management have denied it, as have the two boxers accused of delivering the blow.

Vargas previously said: "The boxing world is small, man. He got knocked out in sparring already, man. I heard that they tried Bradley Wheeler but he knocked him out."

Floyd Mayweather, who wants to sign Vargas to his label, Mayweather Productions, said, as he'd seen no footage he didn't believe it.

Credit: PA

Now McGregor's team have responded and said: "The guy mentioned by Jessie Vargas is Brandon Rios, not Brad Wheeler.

"Neither have sparred with Conor."

Even Rios himself denied the claim, and said: "The world's gone crazy. My phone's been blowing up. I've been getting text messages and calls about this. I've never met McGregor, and I don't know who he is."

Many in the Mayweather camp are using this as further ammunition in their claim that McGregor will not go very far in the fight.

Betting companies are placing 'Money' Mayweather in the 1/6 region for the fight on August 26 in Las Vegas. McGregor is a distant 4/1.

Credit: PA

However, even those in McGregor's camp who may believe the rumours of a training session knockout can find a positive.

In the build-up to his fight against Eddie Alvarez, McGregor was rumoured to have been knocked out cold whilst sparring in Ireland.

In a tweet since deleted, MMA insider, Dizz, wrote on Twitter: "I was told by someone close to SBG, McGregor was allegedly knocked out cold in sparring today. Possible broken nose, shaky to his feet."

MMA and UFC fans will not need reminding that on November 12, McGregor beat Alvarez easily at Madison Square Garden in New York, US. A second-round total knockout saw McGregor claim the featherweight and lightweight belts.

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Paul Malignaggi is rumoured to be joining McGregor's team to help him train ahead of the fight.

In the other corner, Mr Mayweather is no stranger to TKOs. In his 49 wins from 49 fights, he's dealt out 18 in total.

With the press tour nicely wrapped up, the world sits back and awaits August 26.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Conor Mcgregor, Boxing, Floyd Mayweather

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

@MikeMinay