Connor v Max - The eyes never lie

He doesn't believe what he is saying. This is the thing that struck me most often throughout all the promotion over the last few days and weeks. He is trying to talk himself into the fight. He wants to believe what he is saying. He wants the words to match the reality but deep down they don't and he knows it.

I've seen this look before. It's the same look he had the night he fought Khabib as he stood across the Octagon, Buffer belting out the introductions. The camera cuts to a close up. He doesn't wanna be there. But it’s too late - the contracts are signed and he promised his ma a new house. But deep down he knows he's not prepared for this.

Not like he was in the early years. A hungry young Dubliner obsessed with the game. A bit gone in the head. You had to be. Before the millions, the yachts, the lawsuits and the coke binges. Before he had 4 mouths to feed and brands to promote.

As the great Marvin Hagler said “It's tough to get out of bed…when you've been sleeping in silk pajamas”

I'll be watching. Of course I will, it’s gonna be a spectacle either way. But the reality is Father Time comes for us all. And all the talk in the world won’t keep him at bay.

The eyes don’t lie.