Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather dismissed as “an exhibition” as WBA refuse to sanction

The waves of criticism crashing on the potential boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather will only serve to boost the fight's pay-per-view potential.

As if the clash of two of combat sports' biggest personalities wasn't intriguing enough on its own, the ridicule coming from the boxing community will simply add to the already palpable mystique of a mixed martial arts champion crossing codes to take on one of boxing's greatest talents. Oscar De La Hoya is the latest high-profile figure from the world of boxing to condemn the match-up, which is still reportedly at the negotiation phase. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/868030351981105152 McGregor insisted that he and the UFC already came to an agreement, leaving the ball in Mayweather's court, and it remains to be seen what broadcast network will cover and which governing body will oversee the greatest fighting spectacle of all time. One thing we know for certain, however, is that the World Boxing Association has absolutely no interest in sanctioning the bout. WBA president Gilberto Jesús Mendoza claims that the fight would be no more than an exhibition contest and, as such, he confirmed that his organisation would not be involved in it. "I think this would only be an exhibition fight. I don’t think it’s good for boxing to endorse it as an official fight. I think both are great athletes, but Floyd is retired and if he wants to be back, he has great boxers whom he can face and provide a good show," said Mendoza. https://www.instagram.com/p/BUYAQrygPZK/?taken-by=thenotoriousmma&hl=en "I know this fight can be done. However, I want to make it clear that the World Boxing Association will not get involved in the event. We respect both athletes and it seems to me that Mayweather proved to be the best, as McGregor has done in the UFC, but a bout between both should not be more than an exhibition." Can't be any clearer than that then.