Conor McGregor roars into ESPN reporter’s face at ringside of Michael Conlan’s pro debut

Conor McGregor has a handy habit of show-stealing.

As was expected when it was announced that McGregor would accompany fellow Irish star Michael Conlan to the ring for his professional boxing debut, 'The Notorious' made quite a few headlines himself. McGregor and his entourage flew to New York City on St. Patrick's Day to be present for Conlan's transition from amateur boxing to the pro ranks, which turned out to be seamless. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRu1Iimh3rn/?taken-by=thenotoriousmma&hl=en While most eyes were transfixed on the action taking place inside the squared circle, more than a few curious glances were shot in McGregor's direction as he roared instructions at his friend from the ring apron. The reigning UFC lightweight champion was in passionate form and he let that intensity boil over into a heated exchange with esteemed ESPN boxing reporter Dan Rafael, who was covering the fights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQeISn7ttek As talk becomes increasingly more credible about the potential super-fight of McGregor and retired boxing great Floyd Mayweather, the Irishman wanted to make his stance clear. And he did so in no uncertain terms.

"You're the boxing guy? I'm the boxing guy. Watch me take over boxing,” McGregor shouted. "Trust me on that. No one in this boxing game knows what’s coming. Trust me on that. When I step in there, I’m going to shock the whole goddamn world. Trust me on that. "Look me in the eyes. Twenty-eight years of age, confident as a motherfucker, long, rangy, dangerous with every hand. Trust me, I’m going to stop Floyd and you’re all going to fucking eat your words. The whole world is going to eat their words."

That exchange took place a matter of days after UFC president Dana White admitted that he had changed his tune on the potential bout being booked. "I do think it's going to happen," White said on Conan O'Brien's show earlier in the week.. "I think it's going to be a tough deal, because, obviously, there are a lot of egos involved in this deal and a lot of people, so that always make it tougher. "[But] on the flip side, there's so much money involved, I just don't see how it doesn't happen."