Manny Pacquiao vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov Might Happen If One Scenario Occurs – Report

Another superfight is now being linked to Manny Pacquiao’s name.

Despite his age, Pacquiao is still considered the biggest draw in boxing, and in recent times, the world’s only eight-division titleholder also became a target of an array of UFC stars.

Former two-division UFC champ Conor McGregor was the first MMA superstar to flirt with the idea of sharing the boxing ring with Pacquiao. Now, a report states that chances of a fight between Pacquiao and McGregor’s UFC nemesis Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov are “increasing,” according to renowned boxing news outlet World Boxing News.

“Khabib [Nurmagomedov], should he decide to fight again, can do as he pleases. That includes moving over to boxing for a mega-match with the Filipino senator [Pacquiao],” the outlet said.

While Pacquiao vs. Khabib sounds a bit bizarre at the moment, the publication further noted that the newly-retired UFC star’s presence in Pacquiao’s next fight could affirm the apparent “intentions” of both legendary fighters.

“[Manny] Pacquiao is readying himself for a return to action, possibly against Mikey Garcia this July. If Khabib is present on the night, that could tell fans a lot about their intentions,” the outlet added.

Looking at how things have progressed for Pacquiao and Nurmagomedov lately, it seems that the superfight is far-fetched.

It can be recalled Nurmagomedov had just made his retirement official, with UFC president Dana White confirming the news on Twitter.

"29-0 it is. [Nurmagomedov] He is 100% officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend," White wrote.

Nurmagomedov’s statement, on the other hand, strongly suggested that it might take a while before he would even consider making a return, if he ever will.

“It was a good dinner with some great people. @danawhite [White] thank you so much brother and the entire @ufc team for the opportunity to prove myself, you guys have changed many live forever because of this sport,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram.

“Dana - I’ll never forget your attitude towards me, my father did not forget and my sons will remember you. Today there was a real conversation between real men,” he added. “Also thank you to all team, sparing partners and all fans. I hope you will accept my decision and understand me.”

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is expected to make his ring return this year with Mikey Garcia as the heavily-favored opponent.

“We’re leaning towards Mikey Garcia, but we’re also talking to Crawford,” Pacquiao told Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN earlier this month. “It depends on who I get to face, what’s important is I’m ready.”