McGregor, Mayweather continue war of words in Toronto

[July 13, 2017]    (Reuters) - Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather is the heavy favorite to win his bout against mixed marital arts champion Conor McGregor but the Irishman again won the war of words at their media conference in Toronto on Wednesday.

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor point and stare down each other during a world tour press conference to promote the upcoming Mayweather vs McGregor boxing fight at Budweiser Stage. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

A day after McGregor mercilessly mocked the American in Los Angeles to launch a four-day international promotional tour for their Aug. 26 fight, the flamboyant 28-year-old again went on the offensive, ridiculing Mayweather's attire and landing a low blow with a comment about his rumored reading difficulties.

“How do I look?” McGregor asked the crowd, before taking a swipe at Mayweather's bag. "He’s 40! Dress your age, carrying a school bag on stage.

“What are you doing with a school bag on stage? You can’t even read.”

Mayweather, dressed casually for a second straight day in a t-shirt and cap while McGregor again wore a suit, did his best to counter.

“I’m the (one) that can’t read? I do numbers, I make money,” he said.

“You owe money,” McGregor responded, referring to reports that Mayweather earlier this month asked the IRS for more time to pay his 2015 tax bill.

Mayweather, who holds a perfect 49-0 record, was jeered relentlessly by the audience but did not appear rattled.

At one point he grabbed an Irish flag from the crowd and posed in front of McGregor. When the flag was passed to the Irishman he tossed it back in the boxer’s face.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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