Former 8-weight divisional world champion, Manny Pacquiao could be about to become the next boxer to secure a lucrative exhibition match against Conor McGregor.
Pacquiao shared that there have been conversations between his camp and the camp of the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Conor McGregor.
Pacquiao is a hero in his homeland of Philippines. Furthermore ‘The Pacman’ is currently serving as a senator there.
Speaking on Friday, he detailed whether he had initiated seeking contact with McGregor regarding a potential fight.
“Initially,” Pacquiao said. “But we have not yet had any follow-up conversations,” Pacquiao shared.
The Filipino superstar, however, was quick to add that while nothing is set in stone at this stage.
Pacquiao is prepared to do his part to make the match-up happen. He is demonstrating that by showing a real desire to negotiate.
“If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us;” ‘Pacman’ added.
Last month, Pacquiao took to social media with a cryptic message that seemed to insinuate a 2018 match-up against Conor McGregor was in the pipeline.
Pacquiao turns 39 later this month, his abilities have rapidly diminished from what they once were.
Pacquiao was last seen inside of the squared circle in July. He surrendered his WBO world welterweight title on that occasion against Jeff Horn.
The 8-weight world champion has shared that he will have his next bout scheduled for April 2018.
That date being the next time, he is available to prepare for a training camp. Pacquiao will fight in April because that is when the senate is in recess in his homeland.
“It depends who they can finalise as my opponent by April,” he said.
However, that is not the only fight that could potentially be on the plate for Pacquiao. A rematch with Jeff Horn for the WBO world welterweight title has been mooted.
Additionally, a potential match-up with budding pound-for-pound status challenger and former 2-weight world champion, Terence Crawford has also been put forth to Pacquiao by their mutual promoter, Bob Arum.
Also Pacquiao said his next fight could be held in Malaysia, Dubai or Macau.
McGregor, meanwhile hasn’t fought since being stopped by Floyd Mayweather Jr on August 26th. McGregor was stopped in the 10th round of his professional boxing debut.
‘The Notorious’ recently paid tribute to Mayweather for being a true champion. The UFC lightweight champion also expressed an interest in a rematch with ‘Money Mayweather.’
McGregor also stressed his belief that he could correct where he went wrong and come out victorious in a rematch.