Floyd Mayweather did not guarantee a win against Conor McGregor on August 28 nor did he he even mention winning. Mayweather also failed to mention 50-0 or his tired old schtick, “49 have tried…” And also somewhat interestingly, Mayweather did not mention anything about “the best ever.”

It’s as if Mayweather is trying to condition the public to accept that he is going to lose to McGregor.

It almost sounds as if he wants to lose to McGregor. Or that he knows he has to lose to McGregor. For reasons relating to his gigantic, eight-figure debt to the IRS

Words are mere words but Mayweather’s usual patterns of cockiness and arrogance are strangely absent.

Even Leonard Ellerbe, the long time business associate of Mayweather seems to be playing the same game, citing Mayweather has small hands and that McGregor has a chance for the shocking upset. “I know that they are both going to look to knock each other out. I’m very confident, very confident, very confident that there will be a knockout.”

Or could there be a “no mas” type ending? With Mayweather claiming injury to his hand or shoulder or whatever?

When Mayweather stops talking about how great he is and TBE before a fight suddenly for the first time in over a decade, something is up.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“I’ve been here before and I know what it takes. It’s my same old routine but I’m older now so I have to let the body rest a lot more. With age comes wisdom. When I was a lot younger I would just train and train and never let myself recuperate. When I come back from resting I come back rejuvenated and with a lot more spark.

“This isn’t just a fight; this is an event. We both owe the fans and everyone tuning in a lot of excitement. That’s what we’re there to give them.

“I know I’m going to face a warrior. It’s not for me to worry about what he does on a day-to-day basis. I have to worry about what I have to go out there and do. I have to execute the game plan. I’m not going to overlook him. That’s why I’m in here working extremely hard.

“When it’s all said and done it comes down to the two competitors. My dad can give me a brilliant game plan but he can’t get in there and fight for me. Same for Conor and his team. It doesn’t matter who the crowd’s rooting for, it’s two men in there.

“This training camp has been a lot different. I’ve spent some time in Miami and in Los Angeles training. I’ve been pushed really hard by the young guys in camp. I don’t need to post every workout video because I’ve been around this sport a long time and everyone knows what I can do.

“On paper we know he’s taller and has a long reach. He has youth on his side. People say that he has power on his side. I know that ring IQ and experience are in my favor. I have the fight knowledge on my side. We both have advantages.

“I know he’s going to come out and try to switch stances. He’ll come out southpaw then go the other way. But all that does is burn energy. Then I’m going to give him a look and give him some knowledge, and we’ll see what happens.

“Conor feels it’s not going to go past four rounds and I don’t think it’s going the distance. We’re both confident in our skills and we’ll see who gets it done.

“My opponent is always confident, but it’s different being in there with Floyd Mayweather. They realize that this is real. But for me, it’s just another day. That’s the mentality that has allowed me to stay undefeated.

“It’s been great to be in a position as a promoter to give knowledge to young fighters. It’s one of my ultimate goals to take a young fighter and make them a household name. I want to take fighters to the next level.”

***

Not a single world from Floyd about winning. Hmmmm… Maybe just maybe winning is not the top priority for Mayweather in this fight.

Prediction: McGregor by TKO or Mayweather retires on his stool.

Final question: Why hasn’t Sugar Daddy Al Haymon paid off Floyd’s IRS bill? Is Haymon running short these days?

Scoop Malinowski’s book “Muhammad Ali: Portrait of a Champion” is available at amazon for $9.99.