I don't really believe that an amateur boxing background and cross training in MMA amounts to training longer than dedicate pro boxers. Maybe more time has passed since he had his first boxing lesson, but amount of time in dedicated training is far more telling about his ability. Hell, even decent pros have come out and questioned his defense/footwork after working with him, which is fundamental stuff.
Also, Maia had success in BJJ elite level BJJ competitions before entering MMA, Connor had never boxed at the professional level, nor even at an elite amateur level. It's a weak comparison.
Again, don't care either way, I'm happy with either guy getting knocked out, I'm just not convinced by this lame promotional effort. The only strand of hope that Connor has is in this idea that Floyd has declined to the point that he could lose to a nobody. It's sort of like the idea that after years in prison, maybe Miles Tyson doesn't have the skill to beat a knock out artist like Peter McNeely. Of course, McNeely had been fighting a lot longer than Connor, had more KOs, etc.