Proposed Conor McGregor-Logan Paul bout is slammed by fans and boxing insiders as a billionaire’s sideshow

In one corner, we have a former YouTuber with a professional boxing record of 1-1. And in the other, at 0-1 in the ring, is a wayward UFC legend and admitted cocaine user who recently lost a $257,000 rape lawsuit.

Predictably, Conor McGregor’s proposed exhibition bout with Logan Paul is already facing some criticism online, where the sport’s insiders and fans have both taken aim at what’s become known as ‘influencer’ or ‘celebrity’ boxing. McGregor’s personal and legal problems aside, a fight between an aging MMA star and someone best known for their social media content hardly seems like a pay-per-view main event.

‘Another clown show,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘Boxing has become a joke.’

McGregor let the proverbial cat out of the bag online Tuesday, writing that he’s ‘in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India.’

And it was his mention of the fabulously wealthy Ambani family that infuriated long-time boxing promoter and former HBO executive Lou DiBella, who sees the peculiar matchup as a billionaire’s lark. After all, the family of industrialists is reported to be worthy anywhere from $89.9 billion to $304 billion, allowing the Ambanis to finance whatever cockamamie matchup they want.

‘Who. Gives. A. F***,’ DiBella asked on X. ‘#Boxing 2025. Enough with this money grab, celebrity boxing, s***. Has ANYONE asked for this fight other than the Ambani family? Doesn’t matter though … with a net worth estimated at 103.7 Billion you can get virtually anyone boxing for your amusement. WHY THESE TWO, though?’

McGregor and partner Dee Devlin leave the High Court in Dublin after the personal injury case

Logan Paul has as little experience in the ring as McGregor, a converted UFC legend

Many, many others agreed.

‘It’s just a microcosm of our society at this point, talent and substance is no longer required, it’s all about the gimmick & the show,’ read a response to DiBella. ‘No real boxing fan has any interest in this frivolous nonsense.’

Another put it more concisely: ‘What a joke. I really don’t care. I won’t be watching.’

Boxing is still recovering from the widely watched – and criticized – bout between Logan’s brother, Paul, and the 58-year-old remains of Mike Tyson. The fight card broke gate records at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas and was viewed by more than 60 million households worldwide, according to Netflix.

Unfortunately for anyone who survived the eight-round snoozefest, it failed to live up to expectations as Tyson looked every bit his 58 years.

And McGregor’s proposed bout with Logan Paul doesn’t promise to be any better. The Irishman was overwhelmed by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. in his only foray into the ring in 2017, losing by TKO in the 10th round.

Logan Paul has also faced Mayweather, albeit in an exhibition that was plagued by the former’s persistent clinching.

Yes, Logan Paul is considerably bigger than McGregor, who could be outweighed by nearly 30 pounds, but the 29-year-old Cleveland native has even less relevant experience. In two real fights, Paul is 1-1, having lost a split decision to KSI before beating grappler Dillon Danis in 2023.

At the very least, McGregor grew up training as a boxer from the age of 12, even if he did eventually move on to the UFC.

Last month, an Irish court ruled in favor of McGregor’s rape accuser and ordered him to pay her $257,000. McGregor admitted to using cocaine with the woman but denied the rape allegation.