Pacquiao confirms plan to face McGregor in his next fight
Boxing
By
Mirror
| Jan 12, 2021
="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/boxing/2001320492/pacquiao-trains-son-for-boxing-career-leaves-wife-in-tears-photos">Manny Pacquiao< would rather fight ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/sports/2001374330/conor-mcgregor-announces-retirement-for-the-third-time">Conor McGregor The 42-year-old missed out on fights with Mikey Garcia and Terence Crawford last year due to the coronavirus crisis. Both he and UFC star McGregor both announced they had held talks over a boxing bout early this year but an agreement was not reached.
But despite McGregor returning to the UFC next weekend, Pacquiao insists he is his No.1 target. Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model AFC usher 60th anniversary celebrations in style Man wants court to scrap mandatory retirement age of 60 How has Kenya changed in 60 years British colonial plan to wipe out Kenyans that came a cropper Jamhuri and sale of false hope There is much to be hopeful for despite wasted opportunities "They're (Spence and Crawford) my options, but right now I want to experience fighting an MMA [mixed martial artist]," he said.
"I will also donate a big portion of my income to Filipino Covid-19 victims." McGregor's only experience in a professional boxing ring came against Pacquiao's bitter rival Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Mayweather stopped the Irishman in the 10th round to earn his 50th victory.
Since then McGregor has fought just twice in the cage, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov before stopping Donald Cerrone last year.
And ahead of his return against Dustin Poirier on Saturday week, his manager confirmed his intention to fight Pacquiao. "I definitely believe it's inevitable for 2021; both fighters want it, that's the key," Audie Attar told Dubai radio.
"You can't make something happen or orchestrate it or choreograph it - which is the buzzword of this interview - you can't fake that.
"If one side wants it and the other doesn't, it's not going to happen. But when both fighters want that fight to happen, why wouldn't it happen?
"If the fans want to see it - that almost guarantees that it's going to happen, right? As there's enough interest to develop something there."
READ MORE
Kenya Prisons book a quarters date with rivals KCB
Kenya Pipeline will take on National Alcohol and Liquor Factory of Ethiopia in the quarter-finals.
Kenton School win Obuya Charity match
The Most Valuable Player of the tournament was Arhan Shah with 40 runs and two wickets.
Vinicius snatches Real Madrid Champions League draw at Bayern
The draw puts Madrid in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
ESports: Lusigi lands international appointment
The local gaming boss has joined ranks at the Global Esports Federation.
Madrid wary of 'bestia negra' Bayern in 'European Clasico'
In the last decade Madrid clearly have the edge on the German giants.