Keith Thurman Calls Out Conor McGregor, Takes Swipe At Floyd Mayweather

Keith Thurman challenged Conor McGregor to a "real fight" and believes he would beat him anywhere, whether it's in a boxing ring or the octagon.

The undefeated World Boxing Association (Super) champion was appearing on TMZ and when asked whether he could defeat the UFC star in a fight, he proceeded to become the latest person to call out McGregor.

"I'll beat Conor McGregor's a-s. He would have been knocked out if he would have fought a real, young welterweight in Vegas that night [against Floyd Mayweather], he would have got knocked out for the whole world to see," Thurman said. "I would love to keep talking mad s--t by beating up one of those UFC guys and then be like 'yeah, put some respect on the name of boxing baby.'"

"Conor, you want a real fight? You want to know what a real punch feels like? Holler at your boy. Look, my name is 'One Time' and we can do it just one time because that's all we need," he said.

Of course, Thurman may not have been completely serious, especially as he would be unlikely to defeat the Irishman in the octagon, although he would more than likely defeat him in a boxing ring.

But whether it's boxing or mixed martial arts, any competitor would want to face McGregor as a fight with him is guaranteed to result in a big payday and media attention.

The 30-year-old notably faced Mayweather in a lucrative boxing match last year that resulted in 4.3 million pay-per-view buys, over $55 million in live gate and both fighters walking away with nine figure purses.

What is interesting, however, is the swipe Thurman took at Mayweather. While Mayweather did get his first finish since 2011 by defeating McGregor via TKO in the 10th round, he did not knock him out clean.

"One Time" — who has 22 knockouts in his 28-0 career — claimed that would have been the case had McGregor faced him or any other of the young welterweights in the game as opposed to Mayweather, who for the latter part of his career, became known for his defensive work.

Thurman has also wanted a fight with Mayweather for a while. Back in 2016 though, the 29-year-old claimed "Money" would not fight him but instead, methodically select his opponent whenever he decided to unretire.

"I don't think Floyd really -- as much as he kinda wants to step back in the ring, I think he doesn't at the same time," Thurman said. "And I think if he's gonna step in the ring, he's gonna do it the way he's always done it. Be very methodical, pick his opponent, pick his route to victory, get the 50-0 legacy that he wants, and then be out. He's already done, man."

That certainly seems to be the case (although he already reached 50-0) as after retiring for the third time following his win over McGregor, Mayweather looks set to return again in a rematch against Manny Pacquiao in December, with the latter telling reporters the fight could be finalized this week.

As for Thurman, a hand injury earlier this year postponed his return to the ring, however, he is expected to fight for the first time since March 2017 by the end of the year in a tune-up fight.