It’s been described by some pundits in the boxing world as a ‘circus event’, but regardless of what you think of the match-up, Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor is going to happen next month and both men are going to make a lot of money from the fight.

Credit: MayweatherPromotions via Twitter

The bookmakers have already posted their odds for the contest and it appears as though they are giving McGregor a glimmer of hope, as he is 4/1 to pull off what would be the biggest upset in the history of the sport. It is worth remembering that Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley and Manny Pacquiao have all tried and failed to beat the former pound-for-pound number one so it is impossible to see a fighter who has never fought professionally in a boxing ring before having any chance against one of the greats of all time. The 2/11 boxing odds on offer with Paddy Power look generous, especially when you consider what price Mayweather has been against world class opposition in the past.

If those odds are too short for you then you can turn to the method of victory market. Mayweather is 8/13 to win the fight inside the 12 rounds, while he is 9/4 to get the result on the judges’ scorecards. It could simply be a matter of when, not if, Mayweather wins by knockout or technical knockout. McGregor will not be unable to withstand any of Mayweather’s combinations and has had only had 12 weeks to prepare since the fight was confirmed, which won’t be enough to put a plan together to be able to survive the distance. McGregor’s only chance is if he makes it into a brawl; however, that could also play into the hands of the real boxer as the Irishman will be there to be hit.

Credit: Sky Sports Boxing via Twitter

The full 12 round betting is also up ahead of the showdown, where Mayweather is a tempting 25/1 to end the fight inside the first round. The former five-division champion may just wait a few rounds, though, so it could pay to play the fourth round at 12/1 and the fifth round at 12/1. For those who think McGregor is going to cause a huge shock, the Irishman is 33/1 to catch Mayweather cold in the first round and win the fight in the opening three minutes.

It is worth looking out for a number of specials on the fight that the bookmakers will be publishing in the run-up to the bout, some of which are already available. For example, many bookmakers are offering odds of 6/1 for both men to be knocked down during the contest. There are also odds already available on the exact method of victory, where Mayweather by technical knockout is the 15/8 favourite in that market, while the 40-year-old is 6/1 to be knocked down and then go on to win.

We are still waiting on details of who will broadcast the fight in Ireland and the UK but it is sure to break box office records around the world as two sports collide in the clash of titans.