It’s been teased over and over again, and now, the blockbuster bout between Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor is one step closer to becoming a reality as the eight-time division world champion on Monday revealed on Twitter that he has signed a partnership deal with Paradigm Sports, the same sports agency managing “The Notorious” two-time UFC champion.
Last September, the senator-boxer confirmed that a fight between him and McGregor will take place sometime in 2021. Pacquiao’s camp announced that the bout will be for the benefit of those who are affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, with portions of the fighter’s earnings going to relief efforts.
McGregor also confirmed that his manager, Audie Attar, has been in “serious talks” with the other side for a fight but it’s still very far from fruition. He said that it will most likely take place in December of next year or early January of 2022 and that the Middle East is currently the most scouted location for the fight.
Should it materialize, this will be McGregor’s first fight since announcing his retirement from MMA last June. The last time he squared off with a boxer was against world champion Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last August 2017. He lost the bout by TKO in 10 rounds.
On the other hand, Pacquiao, whose last stint was beating Keith Thurman via split decision in July 2019, has long considered hanging up his gloves for good, with his swiftness inside the squared circle noticeable dwindling through the years.
Yet, he shows that he’s still keen to have one final contest — and a colossal one at that — to cap off his illustrious career.
Would you like to see the two legends in a head-to-head clash? Who do you think would win that one?
