The boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has released a definite time frame for a potential boxing bout with UFC star Conor McGregor. The 45-year-old, who retired from professional boxing in 2021, has indicated his eagerness to get back in the ring, with McGregor’s name surfacing as a potential opponent. “Pacman” has taken part in several exhibition fights and now he has sparked rumors of a possible clash with the Irishman. McGregor previously targeted the Filipino icon for a fight before the end of 2024. The former UFC champion is set to return to the octagon at UFC 303 on June 29 against Michael Chandler. Now the speculation of a potential bout between Pacquiao and McGregor is also growing.
Pacquiao’s promoter about the potential for a bout
Manny Pacquiao’s promoter, Sean Gibbons, said in an interview that Manny has about nine months left before he runs for office again, so he is still actively looking for something. The announcement comes amid uncertainties over Pacquiao’s next opponent, following complications with a proposed matchup against Conor Benn and an exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather.
Initially, Manny was going to face Benn in Saudi Arabia. However, the British Boxing Board of Control’s successful appeal against lifting Benn’s provisional suspension has cast doubt on the probability of the fight. Gibbons’ stated that “we had bad luck…unfortunately losing the appeal cost us the fight.” Nearly two years ago, Benn suffered a setback when he failed two drug tests for performance-enhancing drugs before his scheduled bout with Chris Eubank Jr. There were hopes for Benn to return to the UK boxing scene following a decision by the National Anti-Doping Panel, but the UK-Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control challenged this decision through the appeal process. Ultimately, both appeals were successful, prolonging Ben’s hiatus from the ring.
The fight will definitely garner a lot of attention
The significance of a potential clash between “Pacman” and “The Notorious” is heightened by the years-long animosity between the two fighters. McGregor’s management company had previously won a $5.1 million lawsuit against Pacquiao for breach of contract, which has further escalated their rivalry. McGregor made his boxing debut in 2017 against Floyd Mayweather. He has expressed his desire to face Manny and suggested that ongoing talks for the bout are underway.
Both athletes are quite popular and have earned a great name in their respective sports, so a potential bout between Pacquiao and McGregor will definitely hype up the fans and garner widespread attention worldwide.
