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Mayweather: 'Everything is on the line' in McGregor bout

Gary A. Vasquez / USA TODAY Sports

What Floyd Mayweather stands to gain on Aug. 26 in cabbage, he's putting on the line in the court of public opinion.

Speaking to the media in a Thursday conference call ahead of his blockbuster boxing match opposite UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor, the decorated pugilist plainly acknowledged the risks in putting his 49-0 record and legacy as one of the best to ever grace the ring at stake against a fighter with no professional boxing experience.

While many view the matchup's inception as a triumph for McGregor in itself, Mayweather believes he's shouldered the bulk of its risk, if only due to his immaculate resume.

"I truly believe I've taken a bigger risk," Mayweather said, according to MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee. "But it's a big reward for both. I'm taking the bigger risk. I have the 49-0 record, and when a fighter has lost before, if he loses again they say, 'Oh, it's nothing, he's lost before.' But when a fighter has been dominating for 20-some years, never lost, everything is on the line. My legacy, my boxing record. Everything is on the line."

Mayweather, 40, will end a retirement dating back to September 2015 in his dance with the Irishman, then call it a career once again, as he confirmed on Thursday's call. "Money" may recognize that ending his run with a blemish on his record is not outside the realm of possibility, but maintained he doesn't regret getting back in the saddle to face the comparatively green McGregor, nor fret over his chances of falling to him, slim as many in the combat sports world believe them to be.

"I just try to focus on being positive and worry about going out there and doing what I do best. I try not to think about losing, or taking an L, that's not really my focus. Every day I tell myself I'm a winner. I was born to be a winner. At life, not just in the ring, I was born to be a winner. So whatever I do, I try to give 100 percent and I try to push myself to the limit.

"Like (Showtime executive vice president) Stephen (Espinoza) said, it's all about taking risks and I wouldn't be where I'm at if I didn't take risks. So I don't mind putting the 49-0 record on the line, I don't mind putting everything on the line for this fight. I feel like it's worth it."

Mayweather meets McGregor at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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