Floyd promises war as punters continue to back underdog

Floyd Mayweather has said he is preparing to knock out Conor McGregor when they clash in their superstar battle in Las Vegas on August 26.

"He's looking forward to ending the fight early, I'm looking forward to ending the fight early - it won't go the distance," said Mayweather, who has won his last seven fights by decision.

Despite not winning by KO since 2011, Mayweather is 8-11 to stop McGregor, the two-weight UFC champion who is making his debut as a boxer against a man many regard as the greatest champion in boxing history. Mayweather is undefeated with a 49-0 record.

While bookmakers remain convinced of a Mayweather victory, that is not how punters see it, with Ladbrokes this week claiming that they have taken ten times more bets on McGregor despite him being a clear underdog.

But while the majority of small-stakes punters are backing McGregor the big-hitters are coming in for Mayweather, with Ladbrokes saying the largest bet they have laid is £25,000 on the American at 1-5.

The ultra-confident Irishman could have been backed at 7-1 when the market opened but is now no bigger than 9-2 for a stunning upset.