Local Mayweather/McGregor predictions, places to watch

It's kind of like that time The Jetsons met The Flintstones. Or when Crystal Pepsi was unveiled with a big splash.

No one really felt like they really *needed* it, but, sure, we checked it out.

That seems to be the overall vibe going into Saturday's much-hyped boxing match-up between undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (49-0) and UFC mixed martial arts grappler Conor McGregor.

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The fight, which costs $99.95 on pay-per-view if you want to watch at home, is the biggest boxing match since Mayweather beat Manny Pacquiao in 2015 with a 12-round unanimous decision.

But unlike other much-anticipated bouts, many don't see it as a fair fight since you have Mayweather, arguably one of the most talented boxers in history, going against an athlete who has plenty of history in a ring, but never with boxing gloves strapped to his hands.

Still, the spectacle is expected to draw up to 50 million viewers, according to the Associated Press. Mayweather is expected to pocket about $200 million with McGregor taking home about $100 million.

And while there is plenty of betting money going McGregor's way with fans hoping for an upset, it's hard to find many who truly believe Mayweather will lose the fight. Especially since a win Saturday would make him 50-0, breaking the career record of boxing great Rocky Marciano.

Even before the match starts, Wilmington-based boxing promoter and matchmaker Nick Tiberi already finds the whole affair depressing -- an affront to his sport. He doesn't have must interest in watching how it plays out.

"I feel bad for all the fighters out there who have fought all those fights, put their life on the line and never got their chance to fight a guy the caliber of Mayweather," he says. "It kind of irritates me, do you know what I mean? How do you even sanction a fight like that?"

As the endless promotion and debate over the fight winds down after two months of breathless buildup, it's almost time to finally let fists do the talking.

To help prepare, here's a list of predictions from Delaware boxers, fighters and personalities, as well as a list of the restaurants and clubs across the state that will be showing the fight.

Tip: If you live in the Millville area, you're not far from the cheapest place we could find to watch the fight. Hooked Up Ale House and Raw Bar in Giant Plaza is charging only $10 a head -- much less than the average $35 cover at most spots.

LOCAL PREDICTIONS

Kyrone "Shut It Down" Davis, Wilmington-based boxer (12-1, 5 KOs). Winner: Mayweather.

"I'd say less than five rounds. Boxing and MMA/UFC are two different sports. The fight is over-hyped, but people love a huge underdog. Unfortunately for those who believe in magic, there won't be a surprise winner."

Dave Hepner, frontman of Newark-based cover band Radio Halo. Winner: McGregor.

"I'm going with McGregor. Mayweather sounds like he's made peace with the possibility of a loss and Conor never lets it enter his head. The mental game is the biggest part of fighting. Conor has it. Floyd forgot it. But McGregor has to use his superior range and he needs to end it within the first few rounds. He can't give Floyd the chance to figure out his movement."

Earl "Trouble" Small, Pennsville, New Jersey-based professional mixed martial arts fighter and instructor at Milltown's 302 Ju Jitsu. Winner: Mayweather.

"Being a MMA fighter, I would love to see Conor win. But if I were a betting man, my money would be on Floyd. I'm predicting Floyd via a 10th round KO."

Geno Bisconte, comedian, host of "Geno's Picks" podcast and Delaware native.

"If I'm watching this, I’m finding a friend (or a friend of a friend) with it on pay-per-view because -- don't kid yourself -- you’ll be watching McGregor dance away from Mayweather for 12 rounds. All McGregor needs is enough energy to cash an 11-figure check on Monday. At least if you’re at a friend’s place, the booze is cheaper and the seats are comfier. And, hey, in between rounds be sure to play my new album "Uncle Geno is Amazing!!!"

Louis B. “Skip” Perkins, Jr., associate vice president and director of athletics at Delaware State University. Winner: Mayweather.

"Mayweather is simply the better boxer. Conor McGregor’s toughness and relentless style along with the 8-once gloves will give him fighting chance. It will go the distance." 

Chuck Creekmur, Newark native and co-founder of AllHipHop.com. Winner: Mayweather.

"I think Floyd Mayweather will earn a very lopsided win by decision. I expect he will punish McGregor for as long as the referee will allow it. I believe it may end in a stoppage, around round eight. There is a slight chance that Mayweather will actually go for a KO. In that case, I think he can do it in five."

Mike "No Joke" Stewart, retired New Castle-based boxer. Winner: Mayweather.

"I think Floyd beats him easy. Floyd has boxed since he was a little kid and McGregor hasn't boxed a day in his life -- he just started. You're not going to go from never boxing to fighting one of the greatest fighters of all time and beat the guy. I would have loved to have seen Floyd fight him in an MMA match. Conor would have beat the brakes off of him."  

Brandon Vincent Jackson, comedian and founder of Wilmington-based Southbound Comedy. Winner: Mayweather.

"This whole fight is a clown show. It might as well be a steel cage match with special guest referee Joe Biden. I hope Mayweather gets hit with a steel chair while the ref isn't looking. McGregor can't box. This might last two rounds before it gets embarrassing."

Nick Tiberi, Wilmington-based boxing promoter. Winner: Mayweather.

"I think Mayweather will carry him for five or six rounds and then he'll get him out of there. It won't be long. I won't watch it."

Kevin Baxter, Bear-based marketer and entertainment event planner. Winner: McGregor.

"My prediction, based on youth, grit, charisma and athletic prime, is that an older Mayweather has issues with the hard-hitting, unorthodox style of McGregor. And for the first time loses a boxing match, thus catapulting Conor McGregor into the most viral athletic star of this era."

AMONG THE PLACES TO WATCH IN DELAWARE

The Green Turtle Bar & Restaurant, 416 South Ridge Avenue, Middletown. facebook.com/GreeneTurtleMiddletownDE. There is a $20 cover charge starting at 8 p.m.

The Green Turtle Bar & Restaurant, 250 S Main St., Newark. facebook.com/TheGreeneTurtleNewarkDE. It's $20 per person starting at 8 p.m.

Hooked Up Ale House and Raw Bar, 38069 Town Center Drive
Millville. hookeduprawbar.com. There is a $10 cover charge after 9 p.m. The event is 21-and-older unless accompanied by an adult.

Hooters, 136 Astro Shopping Center, Milltown. facebook.com/hootersofnewark. Seats are $30 and it's $20 to stand.

Hooters, 194 S. Dupont Highway, near New Castle. facebook.com/hootersnewcastle. There's a $30 cover charge for seating. There is a $20 standing-room-only charge.

Miller's Ale House, 1323 Churchmans Rd., Stanton. millersalehouse.com. There's a $25 charge per person starting at 8 p.m. 21 and older only.

Nicola Pizza's Upper Deck Sports Bar, 71 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. nicolapizza.com. The $35 cover charge starts at 9 p.m. No reservations. First come, first served.

The Starboard Raw, 2000 Del. 1, Dewey Beach. starboardraw.com. It's $25 per person at The Starboard's sister restaurant across the street from the original.  

Timothy's Riverfront Grill, 930 Justison St., Wilmington. mytimothysrestaurants.com. Tickets are $35 at the door. Cans of Tecate beer will be on special for $2 each.

The Queen, 500 N. Market. St., Wilmington. livenation.com. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. for the fight. Tickets are $35, but that jumps to $47.50 with fees. Children 16 and under attend for free with a paid adult. Beer and wings will be sold on-site.

Contact Ryan Cormier of The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier), Twitter (@ryancormier) and Instagram (@ryancormier).