Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will face MMA megastar Conor McGregor within the ring subsequent yr and the small print for a deal are being finalized, the Filipino’s workplace has mentioned.
McGregor tweeted on Friday that he was going through the eight-division world champion within the Center East, and Pacquiao’s camp have now reportedly confirmed that talks on a bout are nicely underway.
“For the sake of all of the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao shall be combating UFC celebrity Conor McGregor subsequent yr,” learn an announcement shared with the media.
“The massive portion of his earnings will proceed to those that are affected nationwide by the pandemic.”
The assertion added: “Our attorneys are finalizing all of the confidential particulars, however each fighters are preparing for this one epic final boxing struggle.”
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‘I am boxing Manny Pacquiao within the Center East’: Conor McGregor says he’s returning to the ring to face Filipino legend
McGregor, 32, introduced his retirement from MMA in June, citing an absence of pleasure at potential contests obtainable to him.
In a sequence of tweets on Friday, McGregor detailed his exchanges with UFC boss Dana White and what the Irishman claimed had been his failed efforts to kickstart his 2020 ‘season’ within the UFC octagon.
“Anyway all water below the bridge who offers a fook. I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao subsequent within the Center East,” the previous two-weight UFC champion mentioned.
“It will likely be a real honour to have confronted two of the best boxers of the fashionable period, afraid of a struggle.”
McGregor and Pacquiao share the identical supervisor, Audie Attar, who has additionally mentioned that the pair are in talks to struggle, whereas the UFC is believed to be “on board” with the concept.
McGregor famously stepped between the ropes to face five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2017, in what was one of many largest money-spinners the game has ever seen.
The Irishman shocked many in his boxing debut by lasting 10 rounds earlier than being stopped by the undefeated American legend.
McGregor misplaced out to Mayweather in his one and solely ring look. USA Immediately Sports activities
Pacquiao, 41, was final in motion in July of 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman to win the WBA (Tremendous) welterweight title, turning into the oldest champion within the historical past of the division. He boasts a file of 62 wins, seven losses, and two attracts in a profession which spans greater than twenty years.
The Philippines star additionally serves as a senator in his homeland.
Regardless of McGregor’s exhibiting in opposition to Mayweather, Pacquiao’s health coach Justin Fortune has warned that the result can be very completely different in opposition to the Filipino star.
“Manny will destroy Conor McGregor inside three rounds. He’ll obliterate him too quick and too sturdy as an incredible fighter. McGregor is nothing,” Fortune mentioned earlier this yr.
