The Mayweather-McGregor fight ended up being an entertaining and somewhat surprising event Saturday night, with Mayweather getting the win and moving to 50-0 in his career.
Since the match was McGregor’s professional debut in the boxing ring, many were impressed by his overall performance. Despite losing, he got off to a great start by attacking early, and held his own until the 10th round.
Although McGregor was a more worthwhile opponent than many anticipated, Mayweather paced himself and played defense. It really was a competitive, back and forth fight, until McGregor got worn down and didn’t seem to have enough left.
Mayweather’s experience and endurance made all the difference, and led to the technical knockout (TKO) in the 10th round. McGregor was able to throw 430 punches, but only landed 26% of them…while Mayweather patiently landed 53% of his 320 punches thrown.
Even though McGregor was taking hit after hit in the 10th round, he remained on his feet until the ref stopped the fight. Fans weren’t ready to see the fight end, but the ref declared it over before McGregor landed on the mat with a final blow.
The ref had a very important role in this fight, regularly stepping in, and ultimately deciding McGregor was done after Mayweather kept throwing punches without McGregor responding.
This match provides a parallel to our own lives when it comes to how we fight against temptation. There are days and moments where temptation is strong, but we start off fighting well against it. However, we have to be careful not to let our guard down or get tired of fighting because it can sometimes go on for “10 rounds.”
Temptation can hit us left and right until we feel we’re going to fall and get knocked out. Thankfully, God always gives us a way out and declares the fight over just in time.
We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT) that no temptation has to lead to us landing on the mat:
“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
Temptation doesn’t have to lead to sin, and we don’t have to get knocked out by it. We just have to stay alert to how God is coming to the rescue, while getting out of the ring before it’s too late.
A fight against temptation is one we can win. Let’s remain standing by finding our strength in the Lord. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, temptation can feel overpowering at times, but I believe it never has to be so strong where I’m forced to give in. I know You provide strength to say “no” and supply a way out. I pray my guard would be up and I’d fight to remain standing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
