Jim Lampley: Floyd Mayweather ‘obviously’ threw rounds against Conor McGregor to set up rematch

According to Jim Lampley, everything that went on in the boxing ring between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor in August was an elaborate ploy to set up a big-money rematch.

The HBO broadcaster told TMZ on Wednesday that he believes Mayweather threw a few rounds to make McGregor look good with an eye toward a second fight — and another financial windfall — down the road. Last week, Mayweather tweeted a video of himself hitting a heavy bag, even though he said McGregor would be his final fight.

“Why else is he putting out videos of him working out?” Lampley said. “He allowed Conor McGregor to ‘win’ three rounds. Why did the whole thing last 10 rounds, etc.? It’s all a setup.”

Mayweather defeated McGregor by TKO in the 10th round Aug. 26 in Las Vegas. McGregor, the UFC lightweight champion, came in with no professional boxing experience. Mayweather, meanwhile, is one of the best of all time. He’s now undefeated at 50-0.

“Why should he retire?” Lampley said. “He created a marvelous scam with this whole thing. He allowed Conor to quote ‘win’ three rounds, so the whole global MMA wish community could have something to latch onto. I think there’s a decent chance, there’s enough suckers out there, Floyd could maybe make another $150 million.”

Lampley said Mayweather “obviously” threw the early rounds against McGregor. The TMZ reported asked if he thought Mayweather would come back and risk that undefeated record again. Lampley looked incredulous at the question.

“Risk?” Lampley said. “Risk? Did you just associate the word risk with Floyd Mayweather? This is not about risk, young man. Risk has nothing to do with it. There’s no risk involved for him.

“So we’re betting on the question, does Floyd want to make another $150 million? Why would that even be a bet?”