Skip to content
Home » Pacquiao confirms McGregor contact, hopes to negotiate fight

Pacquiao confirms McGregor contact, hopes to negotiate fight

The Filipino Congressman was granted mandatory status for Horn following a controversial loss to the Australian in Brisbane in the summer, but Pacquiao wants to explore the option of a cross-codes clash with UFC star McGregor first.

“If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us,” Pacquiao told AFP during a press event in China.

Pushed to reveal the amount of progress made, Pacquiao added: “Initially (there was contact), but we have not yet had any follow-up conversations.”

First murmurings of a potential Pacquiao v McGregor battle began last month when the 38 year-old sent an Instagram to the Irishman stating: “Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma.”

Since then, things have gone quiet as Pacquiao concentrates on his promotional announcement to help develop boxing in China and his duties for the Philippines – politically.

Asked who could be in the opposite corner for his next bout, Pacquiao said: “It depends who they can finalise as my opponent by April,” before outlining that fight could take place in ‘Malaysia, Macau or Dubai.”

McGregor, on the other hand, continues to court controversy inside and outside of the ring but did state his intentions to one day return to the octagon.

Before that happens, it’s thought ‘The Notorious’ would more than welcome the chance to prove himself against another legend following a previous loss in August to Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.