Report: NSAC confirms Mayweather-McGregor talks
Regardless of whether it ever reaches its destination, the wheels continue to turn for a monumental Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight.
On Tuesday, Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Anthony Marnell confirmed that a bout between the combat sports superstars is officially being negotiated. This marks the most substantial report outside of previous comments from Mayweather, McGregor, and UFC president Dana White.
"There is a lot of real stuff going on," Marnell told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "It still seems like a long shot, but when there is a lot of money involved, people tend to figure it out. There are a lot of cooks in the kitchen, but I'm not sure if we're going to eat.
"The Nevada Athletic Commission, in my experience, has always been well briefed by all parties on an event or potential event that may take place in Las Vegas. We are aware of conversations and information that has been disclosed and not disclosed in the media. Whether these conversations will get to a point that a fight happens, I can't tell you."
Okamoto also reported that McGregor is in Las Vegas this week, possibly to resolve his issues with the NSAC stemming from a bottle-throwing incident last August. The UFC lightweight champion recently received a license to box in the state of California, but would need clearance from the NSAC before being eligible to battle Mayweather in one of the fight capitals of the world.
How much progress has been made in the negotiations is unclear, though Mayweather told ESPN's Steven A. Smith that they are "very, very close" to reaching an agreement.
All Marnell could say is that the talks are real and that there are multiple hurdles that have to be overcome.
"I'm confirming that real people are having real discussions," Marnell said. "I'm also telling you my opinion as the Nevada Athletic Commission chairman that a lot of things need to get done in order to see something like this come together because there are so many parties that want to get their hands on the pot.
"Maybe it will get figured out, but it's going to be hard when everyone is declaring they want $100 million. That's not what I said - that's what they've said. That's their quotes, not mine. If everyone wants $100 million, that's a lot of $100 millions to go around."