SYLVESTER STALLONE has backed Conor McGregor to emulate Rocky Balboa by beating Floyd Mayweather.
Hollywood actor Stallone turned Rocky into one of the silver screen’s most iconic characters as he upset the odds to climb to the top of the boxing world.
And he says UFC star McGregor now has the chance to turn fantasy into real-life when he takes on unbeaten ring legend Mayweather this summer.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest McGregor v Mayweather news, gossip and rumours
The two will finally meet in the ring in a clash of combat sports on August 26 in a billion dollar event that has caught the imagination of fans around the globe.
And Stallone says the Las Vegas fight provides the opportunity for the Irishman to shock the world in the way Rocky did in his epic victory over Apollo Creed in the original film.
Stallone, 70, said: “I always have the underdog. He’s a real life Rocky.
“But then again I live in fantasy.
“It’s never been done before, so you never know.”
Most read in boxing
McGregor, 28, has never boxed a professional or even amateur fight and footage has emerged of him being outclassed in a sparring session with a journeyman fighter.
But he still believes he has the tools to beat up Mayweather in a contest that will earn the Dubliner £78million.
Mayweather retired from the sport with an unbeaten 49-wins record, but has been tempted back into the ring by the chance to overtake Rocky Marciano with a 50th victory.
But he was already back training in the gym weeks ahead of the confirmation the McGregor fight was going ahead in an effort to build up his stamina.
McGregor v Mayweather Tips: 40/1 Longshot
IF McGREGOR is to get anything out of this fight, he will have to be quick.
The longer the fight goes on, the darker things will get for the Dubliner.
We expect him to sit back for a few rounds, get in the rhythm and then attack. It is his only hope.
Sun Bets make it 40/1 that McGregor wins in the fourth round.
It may be a long shot, but it is his best hope. Add it to your betslip here.
The 40-year-old has always taken care of his body but he still needs to make sure he has the fitness to box his usual style of evading being hit.
Though boxing experts predict an easy win for Mayweather, the fight has still captured their imagination.
Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has hinted he may be happy to fight on the same card – something that has been seized upon by UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic.
The MMA star has called out Joshua and says they should both get it on on the same night to see who is the best heavyweight in the planet.
[playbuzz-item url=”//www.playbuzz.com/thesun18/sun-poll-mcgregor-or-mayweather”]