Wednesday 23 August 2017 09:51, UK
Conor McGregor was not fouling during his sparring sessions, revealed Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez.
UFC champion McGregor has been accused of breaking the rules in his preparation to fight Floyd Mayweather by his sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi, in two meetings overseen by Cortez.
He abides by the rules very well, he is a good student of the rules.
Asked if McGregor committed fouls, Cortez exclusively told Sky Sports: "Very little. And it was not intentional. He knows the rules 100 per cent.
"He abides by the rules very well, he is a good student of the rules. He was told the regular rules about holding and hitting on the break. He didn't have any trouble with that."
Robert Byrd has been confirmed as the referee for Mayweather vs McGregor, and he will not be troubled by the Irishman's conduct according to Cortez.
"The referee will do an excellent job, he knows his job inside out, he's a Hall of Fame referee," Cortez said. "He has nothing to worry about with Conor."
