Count Mark Henry, coach to fighters like Frankie Edgar and Edson Barboza, among those who give Conor McGregor a real shot against Floyd Mayweather.

Since the idea of Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather was first floated as a possibility, there have been no shortage of fans, fighters, and pundits quick to throw shade at the competitiveness of the matchup. Mayweather, a multiple time world champion boxer, undefeated through 49 pro bouts, taking on a man in Conor McGregor who, for all his combat skills, has never boxed professionally in his life. 49-0 against 0-0 doesn’t exactly scream ‘close fight’.

But, while he’s not calling a win for the UFC lightweight champion, top flight MMA coach Mark Henry doesn’t seem nearly as down on McGregor’s chances as many. Speaking recently to MMA Junkie, Henry had nothing but the most glowing assessment of McGregor’s skills as a pugilist.

“Look, if I was Conor, I would definitely pursue the boxing, because he can make more in one fight than in 10 or 11 with the UFC,” Henry told MMAjunkie. “But, while he’s doing it, they should definitely make another 155-pound belt, because it would be ridiculous if they didn’t.”

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“Conor is one of the best boxers I’ve ever seen – ever. From his precision to his power to his speed, and I think he has a shot in the first two rounds,” Henry said. “Because Mayweather, like a lot of boxers do when they’re sparring MMA guys, he may not think he’s that good.

“He might not realize how fast Conor is, and you’ve got to remember that Conor is going to be taller, longer, 13 years younger, and a southpaw. Early on, I’d give him a chance of doing some damage. But after that, it’s not going to be too good (for McGregor).”

That’s nothing like saying Conor McGregor will beat Floyd Mayweather, but it’s a much more favorable assessment than many have given. And it’s a bit surprising to hear coming from someone outside the McGregor camp or UFC promotional machine. Then again, it’s right in line with what Nate Diaz had to say about McGregor’s chances as well. “I think McGregor’s got a good chance to make something happen in (the first) two or three rounds.”

Maybe it’s talk like this that has slowly seen the odds on McGregor drop from +600-700 down to the +475 range. As the bout creeps closer to getting made, it seems like more and more people are willing to give him a real shot at making something happen.