Conor McGregor, one of the biggest names in combat sports, recently announced his comeback with a tweet on New Year’s Eve of 2024. McGregor, who last fought at UFC 264 in July 2021, will be making his comeback after 3 years on June 29, 2024.
Manny Pacquiao, one of the legends of boxing, last fought professionally in August 2021 against Yordenis Ugas in the fight billed as “The Legend vs. The Olympian.” Pacquiao was unsuccessful in the fight, as he lost via unanimous decision in the fight for the WBA welterweight title.
Will Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao happen?
Only boxer in history to win twelve major world titles in eight different weight divisions Manny Pacquiao has recently expressed interest in fighting former two-division UFC champion ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. McGregor is no stranger to boxing, as he has already faced legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather inside the boxing ring in one of the biggest fights in boxing’s illustrious history.
A fight between Pacquiao and McGregor has the potential to become one of the biggest fights ever and it has certainly piqued the interest of the fans. Pacquiao, after his loss to Ugas, has concentrated on his political career but recently had exhibition fights lined up for 2024.
Sean Gibbons, the manager of Manny Pacquiao, has now mentioned that Pacquiao is interested in a fight with the Irishman.
Pacquiao’s immediate plan is an exhibition boxing match against Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek on April 20, which will possibly be followed by an exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather. Gibbons remarked that Conor McGregor would be an ideal farewell fight for Pacquiao in 2024, after which he would say goodbye to the sport for good and fully transition to his political career.
Nonetheless, there have not been any discussions about the potential fight between the management teams of the two. McGregor is already scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in June. With Saudi Arabia being the ideal location for the fight due to the nation’s propensity to hold big events, there is a high likelihood of a McGregor vs Pacquiao fight happening.
Conor McGregor once showed interest in fighting Manny Pacquiao
Conor McGregor proved that he could hold his own in the boxing ring with his fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. During the ‘Day of Reckoning’ boxing event in Riyadh, McGregor called out Manny Pacquiao for a boxing match. With Pacquiao moving up in age and McGregor showing improved boxing skills, Pacquiao’s manager sees the potential fight as competitive.
“How about me versus Manny here in Saudi,” said McGregor in an interview during ‘Day of Reckoning’. “Manny should have to come up to my weight considering it’s his sport”, McGregor further added that the fight should be on his weight as he would be at a disadvantage against Pacquiao.
“He owes me $8 million. So fight at my weight and I’ll square that bill away”, McGregor said of the legal dispute between the two and even promised compromise if the fight happens. It needs to be noted that McGregor is signed with the UFC and there are several hurdles in place before the fight can happen.
Do you think a fight between Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao will happen? Leave your thoughts below!
