Kavanagh: ‘McGregor can do it’

CONOR McGREGOR’S UFC coach John Kavanagh has warned Floyd Mayweather the Irishman’s boxing skills are improving all the time. The mixed martial arts star faces undefeated former five-weight world champion Mayweather on August 26 under normal boxing rules. McGregor, 28, has never boxed as an amateur or professional and has roundly been written off by experts who say he has no chance against Mayweather. ‘He will be very wellprepared,’ said Kavanagh. ‘We have gone through one training cycle and we had in some good sparing partners, and, as we expected, his skills transcended over. He is not trying to win Wimbledon. It’s not that different. ‘His understanding of range, his understanding of how to move around is excellent. It’s not completely different.’

LEWIS Hamilton defended his decision to snub a major Formula One promotional event in London and said the British Grand Prix and his title challenge came first. Hamilton, who will be chasing a fourth successive home win at Silverstone on Sunday, was the only driver to miss the F1 Live event on Wednesday. Instead, the triple world champion was holidaying with friends in Greece. ‘It’s been a pretty intense season so far and I felt I needed to prepare the best way I could for this weekend.’

CHINA’S Shanshan Feng shrugged off the effects of jet lag to fire a six-under-par 66 and seize the early first-round lead in steamy conditions at the US Women’s Open at Trump National Golf Club. The Olympic bronze medalist took advantage of calm morning conditions with a sizzling opening nine of fiveunder 31. Leona Maguire posted a disappointing 75 with Stephanie Meadow a further two shots back following a five over par 77.