Highlights
- Manny Pacquiao sets deadline for boxing showdown with Conor McGregor, amid eagerness to return to the ring.
- Pacquiao’s promoter emphasizes urgency in securing bout date as Pacquiao eyes political future.
- Potential Pacquiao-McGregor clash fueled by years of animosity and legal disputes, promises blockbuster event.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has issued a firm deadline for a potential boxing showdown with UFC superstar Conor McGregor. Pacquiao, who previously retired from professional boxing in August 2021, has signaled his eagerness to step back into the ring, with McGregor’s name looming large as a potential opponent.
The Filipino icon who has dabbled in exhibition fights sparked rumors of a potential clash with McGregor, who had previously targeted Pacquiao for a fight before the end of 2024. With McGregor scheduled to return to action against Michael Chandler on June 29 at UFC 303, speculation has been rife about a potential crossover bout between the two combat sports titans.
Unretired Manny Pacquiao Wants Conor Mcgregor Boxing Fight In Saudi Arabia
Manny Pacquiao’s agent reveals that he is out of retirement and wants Conor McGregor in Saudi Arabia.
The Boxer Has A Date In Mind To Return To Politics
Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s promoter, emphasized the urgency of securing a date for the highly anticipated bout, stating in an interview with Boxing Scene, “Manny’s got about nine months left because he’s going to run for office again, so he’s still actively looking for something.” This declaration comes amidst uncertainties surrounding Pacquiao’s next opponent, following complications with a proposed matchup against British boxer Conor Benn and an exhibition against Floyd Mayweather.
Despite initial plans for a Pacquiao-Benn showdown in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, the British Boxing Board of Control’s successful appeal against the lifting of Benn’s temporary suspension has cast doubt on the fight’s feasibility. Gibbons lamented the setback, stating, “We got bad luck… unfortunately losing the appeal cost the fight.”
Almost two years ago, Benn faced a setback when he failed two drug tests for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) ahead of a scheduled bout with Chris Eubank Jr. Although there were hopes of Benn’s return to the U.K. boxing scene following a ruling by the National Anti-Doping Panel, both the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control challenged this decision through an appeal process. Ultimately, both appeals were successful, prolonging Benn’s hiatus from the ring and casting uncertainty on his future in the sport.
The potential clash between Pacquiao and McGregor carries added significance, fueled by years of animosity between the two fighters. McGregor’s management company, Paradigm Sports, previously won a $5.1 million lawsuit against Pacquiao for breach of contract, further intensifying their rivalry.
McGregor, who made his boxing debut against Pacquiao’s longtime rival Floyd Mayweather in 2017, has expressed interest in facing the Filipino legend, suggesting ongoing negotiations for the bout. McGregor hinted at an offer for the fight in Saudi Arabia.
With both fighters boasting immense popularity and drawing power in their respective sports, a potential showdown between Pacquiao and McGregor promises to be a blockbuster event, attracting widespread attention from fans and media alike. However, as McGregor has a contract with the UFC, it is unclear whether he will get permission to pursue another blockbuster boxing event.
