OPINION: Whether you like it or not, strap yourself in for the biggest hype train in the history of 'sport' (I use that word loosely). And the mercurial money-makers will have to do one hell of a job on this one because it's a total mismatch, but let's face it - it sells itself and most of us are going to watch.
I never thought it would happen, but Floyd Mayweather is scheduled to take on Conor McGregor on August 27 in Las Vegas, in a boxing ring, at the weight of 154lb (light-middleweight in boxing, one pound short of the lightweight limit in UFC).
The staggering sums of money on offer made it all too irresistible, even for the unbeaten Mayweather, who has placed himself on a pedestal as one of the greatest boxers of all-time - if not the greatest.
Two of the biggest motormouths on the planet will collide, and many will be relishing the press conferences and build-up as much as the fight itself. However, this is nothing more than a sad indictment of the malaise plaguing 21st century sport, where dollar signs far outweigh the validity of a contest or the worth of an athlete (and I, of course, include Premier League footballers in this).
How did we let money distort our moral compass to such a degree?
One more win for Mayweather will take him to 50-0, usurping the great Rocky Marciano's unbeaten record. Only a fight as easy as this, for as much cash as this (the first $1bn pay-per-view), would distract his attentions from a burgeoning promotional career.
He has the impressive and courageous super-middleweight Badou Jack and irrepressible featherweight Gervonta Davis on his books - although you wouldn't know it, because 'The Real Deal' generally steals the microphone pre- and post-fight to impart his long-winded ghetto gibberish.
Box, he can do brilliantly. Talking, nothing more than a cure for insomnia. He's also handy with his fists outside the ring, as numerous women have testified in domestic battery court cases. Mayweather has plead guilty on more than one occasion.
I don't really know enough about the history or culture of UFC to offer any insightful analysis of McGregor's technique or skills. But what I do know is that I have watched maybe 10 UFC fights and McGregor was in four or five them. That's the power this guy has.
His voice, his manner, his balls - it's a hypnotic package! I can't help but be transfixed.
So, what's the problem then? Two exceptionally talented athletes, putting on an event that everyone wants to watch. The issue is that this is a freak show.
They are two completely different sports. Have you seen McGregor spar in a boxing ring? Well, if you haven't, I suggest you pop on to YouTube and enlighten yourself.
There have been numerous comparisons to the farce that was Muhammad Ali taking on wrestler Antonio Inoki back in 1976 (another YouTube highlight reel).
And while that is an extreme parallel, some of the parameters are similar. Even former champion and promoter Oscar De La Hoya sent an open letter, calling the contest nothing more than a "circus".
He claims this viewpoint has nothing to do with his own super-fight taking place in September Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin. Hmmm, a boxing string-puller who really cares about the sport, rather than money? I think we should reserve judgement on that one.
But let's get the facts straight. Of course McGregor has a chance, but does that justify the pay-per-view cost, the exorbitant ticket prices, the Dana White bullshit we're going to have to listen to? No, it doesn't. And, in fact, I've changed my mind... McGregor has absolutely no chance whatsoever and this fight is a total joke.
UFC athletes are remarkable, with strength, speed, agility and a versatile skill-set, combining wrestling with martial arts and boxing. I don't enjoy watching it, but I totally appreciate the protagonists involved.
I love boxing with a passion and have seen it re-emerge in recent years (especially in the UK), taking its rightful place at the top table of global interest. But combining the two is a pointless exercise.
Mayweather has been playing the public for years, hand-picking his opponents, dodging dangerous fights and breaking the law while doing so.
The sycophantic way the boxing authorities have allowed his violent behaviour to slide is despicable, but now he's back. I would love to see him lose, but that's not an accident waiting to happen against McGregor.
No matter how much we want to slow down and rubber-neck.
The only ones laughing are Mayweather and McGregor - all the way to the bank.
Alex Bell is a boxing contributor for Newshub sport
