Conor McGregor’s clash with Floyd Mayweather attracted as much money in bets as the Grand National, bookies say

Conor McGregor’s clash with Floyd Mayweather attracted as much money in bets as the Grand National, bookies say.

Some £200million was staked across the gambling industry on the outcome of the big fight — the same as on the annual racing showpiece.

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£200million was placed on McGregor and Mayweather fight[/caption]

And bookmakers admit they feared a “bloody nose” as bets poured in on UFC champ McGregor to beat ring veteran Mayweather in Las Vegas last weekend.

Those placed on the 29-year-old Irishman outstripped bets on his US rival.

Ladbrokes Coral boss Jim Mullen said yesterday: “We saw a remarkable amount of money coming in on McGregor. We found him becoming a significant liability.

“If he’d won in the fourth round, I would’ve been crying into my cornflakes. That was squeaky bum time for me.”

Mayweather, 40, emerged from retirement to win the super-welterweight battle and secure a 50-fight unbeaten record.

Mr Mullen, who did not reveal exactly how much was wagered, admitted the support for McGregor “took us by surprise”.

He credited the UFC star for boosting interest in the fight. He said: “He sold it so well.”

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Bets placed on Irishman McGregor exceeded wagers placed on Boxing veteran Mayweather[/caption]

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The highly anticipated fight was the second biggest betting event of the year outside of the Grand National[/caption]