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Conor McGregor not impressive in his YouTube boxing sparring session

The buzz surrounding a potential boxing match between retired pound-for-pound boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor hasn’t quite died down yet. After Mayweather poured gasoline on the fire by talking up the fight, McGregor is now fanning the flames as a video has surfaced of the Irishman sparring with former IBO welterweight champion Chris van Heerden.

After posting a picture of Reebok boxing boots earlier in the week, footage of McGregor sparring in headgear at the Box ‘N Burn gym in Brentwood, Calif., has hit the Internet and added to the speculation.

In the two-and-a-half minute video, McGregor is seen stalking van Heerden while eating several jabs from his opponent whenever he draws near. He also struggles to land anything of significance while being unable to cut off the ring.

The MMA instincts from the man who recently tweeted “I run boxing” are still present as he deploys a wide karate stance that gives him a distinct advantage in MMA, but it will be rendered completely useless in boxing as his opponents wouldn't have to worry about being kicked. He does have his moments and demonstrates some accuracy with his body punching and left hand but it is evident that he has a lot of work to do if he’s ever going to attempt to compete with a fighter on the level of Mayweather.

Although van Heerden is a former champion, he was most recently seen being soundly beaten down and subsequently knocked out by Errol Spence last September. The South African’s boxing record stands at 24-2-1 with 12 knockouts. He’s not exactly the guy that will help McGregor prepare for a fight with Mayweather, but it’s certainly a start.