When does Manny Pacquiao fight next following Conor McGregor’s callout?

Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, popularly known as Manny Pacquiao, is a name that transcends the sport of boxing. Pacquiao’s involvement in philanthropy and politics in addition to boxing made him a household name in the United States and also worldwide.

Manny Pacquiao has not fought since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in the event billed as ‘The Legend vs. The Olympian’ on August 21, 2021. Since the loss, many names have been rumored to be the next opponent for the only eight-division champion in boxing.

When does Manny Pacquiao fight next?

Manny Pacquiao was one of the biggest PPV stars in the US, only behind Floyd Mayweather Jr. The PPV bouts he headlined have cumulatively generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Pacquiao, who retired from boxing in late 2021 after his loss to Yordenis Ugas, will now return to combat sports on April 20, 2024.

However, Pacquiao is not returning to professional boxing. His return is against Sombat Banchamek, popularly known as Buakaw Banchamek, in an exhibition boxing bout. The bout is scheduled for 6 three-minute rounds with a two-minute break in between. Like Pacquiao, Banchamek is a legend of his sport: Muay Thai.

The event is billed as ‘The Match of Legends’, an apt name as the duo are legends of their respective sports. The fight is set as a catchweight of 155lbs, a weight class where Pacquiao has not fought. The Filipino Slugger has fought as high as the welterweight limit in boxing which is 147lbs.

Banchamek has fought as high as the middleweight division in Muay Thai which is 165 lbs. As Banchamek is fighting in an exhibition boxing match which is in favor of Manny Pacquiao, the higher weight class is justified. The event gained traction as the promoter has invested north of $25 million for the bout.

Conor McGregor calls out Manny Pacquiao for a boxing/MMA fight

Former UFC two-division champion, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor was recently in Riyadh, among other celebrities from the sporting world to witness the boxing event billed as ‘The Battle of the Baddest‘. McGregor was ringside at the event with football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo had hilarious interactions which were caught on camera.

McGregor recently tweeted about the possibility of fighting Ronaldo inside the ring with a hypothetical fight purse of $250 million. Nevertheless, it was McGregor’s words about Pacquiao that made headlines at the event. “How about me vs Manny in Saudi”, said McGregor to boxing heavyweight Derek Chisora who was there as an interviewer.

McGregor also had harsh words to say about Pacquiao to Ronaldo. “Tell Manny to grow a set of balls”, said the Irishman to a nonchalant Ronaldo.“Is he a man or a mouse?”, McGregor proceeded to attack Pacquiao. McGregor has already fought one of the legends of boxing in Floyd Mayweather.

As such, fans expected that a bout with Manny Pacquiao would also be in the works. With Pacquiao following the route of Mayweather in doing exhibition bouts, the chances became high of the Filipino slugger having an exhibition bout with Conor McGregor in the future.

Do you think Manny Pacquiao will face off with Conor McGregor inside the boxing ring? Leave your thoughts below!