KEY POINTS

  • Manny Pacquiao is open to fight Conor McGregor in boxing and not in MMA
  • Pacquiao hints at potential McGregor fight on social media
  • McGregor could get another shot at boxing with the help of UFC president Dana White

Manny Pacquiao has always been open about the idea of fighting Conor McGregor.

UFC superstar McGregor has just returned to his winning ways this weekend after earning a quick stoppage win over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246. The former two-division UFC champ showed no signs of the so-called “ring rust” and finished Cerrone in 40 seconds.

While McGregor’s impressive comeback win against Cerrone is what MMA has been buzzing about, an update about McGregor’s statement pertaining to a fight with Pacquiao is something fans have been looking forward to. Ahead of his UFC return, the Irishman mentioned that one of his goals was to become a world champion in boxing one day. In an attempt to achieve the said goal, McGregor failed and was handed his first professional loss in boxing by undefeated champ Floyd Mayweather.

In case a rematch with Mayweather will not come to fruition as soon as possible, McGregor seems to have another blockbuster fight to work on. Following his UFC 246 victory, the Filipino legend Pacquiao himself hinted at a possibility of a Pacquiao vs. McGregor fight.

In short but intense statement on his official social media account, Pacquiao wrote “The Notorious” shortly after McGregor dismantled Cerrone.

Apparently, the Pacquiao-McGregor fight is something that has been worked on in the past. Aside from McGregor’s recent revelation that “negotiations” were once done regarding to a fight with “Pacman,” the Filipino boxer himself has once agreed to share the ring with the UFC star. Pacquiao’s statement came at a time where the Mayweather vs. McGregor boxing match has reached new heights.

According to Pacquiao, he has no problems fighting McGregor but only in boxing and not in MMA, Boxing News and Views reported.

“In boxing? In boxing I would fight McGregor but not in the UFC. Just boxing,” Pacquiao said.

At the peak of Mayweather’s return talks, Pacquiao addressed McGregor, Mayweather and the difference between MMA and boxing. The eight-division title holder believes that "stamina" is what makes boxing a bit more difficult than MMA.

"MMA and boxing is different, especially boxing. In boxing if you don't have enough stamina, you'll be in trouble," Pacquiao noted.

Pacquiao also stated that both McGregor and Mayweather are good fighters but an MMA fighter, which is McGregor will have an advantage if he had faced Mayweather in MMA.

Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is 57-6-2 in his career. Getty

Currently, UFC President Dana White has been quite active in participating in boxing events. This could also mean that McGregor’s chances of getting another crack at a world boxing champ could once again be a reality.