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Manny Pacquiao Says He's Begun Talks With Conor McGregor For Fight

Manny Pacquiao Says He's Begun Talks With Conor McGregor For Fight

Pacquiao is planning a return to the ring in April next year.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Manny Pacquiao has said he's opened talks with Conor McGregor for a fight in April next year.

Pacquiao currently works as a senator in his native Philippines, but said he is up for a fight during his break next spring.

Speaking to AFP, he said: "If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us."

Credit: PA

When asked if he had begun talks with McGregor's people he replied 'initially but we have not yet had any follow-up conversations'.

But he added that he heard the MMA-star turned boxer was willing to fight him. Exciting.

Late last month, Pacquiao started rumours of a possible fight after he shared a photo of McGregor on his Instagram page with the caption: 'Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch#2018@thenotoriousmma'

However, before we all get too excited, Pacquiao was quick to mention that McGregor is just one of many potential opponents. He said: "It depends who they can finalise as my opponent by April."

He has to fight in April due to his obligations as a politician; April is when he will be given a lengthy break from his duties.

Pacquiao is the only boxer in history to have won championships in eight different divisions and has an impressive 59 wins out of 68 fights. He hasn't fought since July when he lost to Jeff Horn. During the press conference, Pacquiao said there could be a possibility of a rematch with Horn.

McGregor has not fought in either MMA or boxing since his loss to Mayweather in August, but he's kept himself busy and in the papers.

Speaking to Betsafe, McGregor announced his intentions to return to fighting next year. He said: "My focus is getting back into the right ring or Octagon.

"2017 was historic. I have transcended both the sport of MMA and boxing. At this stage of my career, as it has been for the majority of my UFC career, potential opponents must lobby for fights with me.

"We could see Conor McGregor anywhere. I run the fight game, the fashion game, the whiskey game, or whatever the next business endeavour might be.

"I have every intention of fighting in 2018 if my compensation and business development endeavours accurately reflect my influence on combat sports."

Credit: PA

He's also said he'd happily face Mayweather again, telling Business Insider: "What sickens me is that the little mother fucker is retired now.

"If I had another go with him, under boxing rules, I'd get that win. He had to change his whole approach. With those lessons I learned, with another go around, I'd get it.

"He's 50-0 and getting on, I'm not calling him out. I'll sit back. We'll see how he gets on with this round of money. Maybe I'll get another call? Originally, he was saying an MMA bout next. That's what he said before the fight.

"He did say an MMA fight. So if he wants to, lets fucking do it. I'd like to see him come over to our side and have a knock. I earned their respect and put myself out there. Style over to my side and earn our respect now."

Source: Yahoo; news.com.au; Business Insider

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Conor Mcgregor, World News, Boxing, MMA