Conor McGregor will ‘definitely’ fight Manny Pacquiao in 2021, claims UFC star’s manager
'This is a fight that we're definitely going to make because both fighters want it’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Conor McGregor will return to boxing in 2021 and fight Manny Pacquiao, according to the UFC star's manager, Audie Attar.
McGregor is currently preparing for a rematch with Dustin Poirier, which is set to headline UFC 257 on 23 January, having once again returned from retirement.
Talks have taken place between McGregor and Pacquiao's representatives through this year, with the fight expected to take place in the Middle East in 2021.
“Conor has a fight on 23 January against Dustin Poirier,” Attar told Bloomberg. "He's gonna be handling business against Dustin first, but Conor's come out and said he wants to fight Manny. Manny's come out and said he wants to fight Conor. As I've stated publicly before, we've had conversations.
"That is a fight that we're definitely going to make because both fighters want it, and there seems to be interest from the fans all around the world."
McGregor crossed over to boxing in 2017 when he was defeated by Floyd Mayweather Jr in a lucrative exhibition, which is said to have earned him around £100m.
However, a fight with Pacquiao, who is currently a Senator of the Phillippinnes, is likely to feature a charity aspect.
READ MORE: Inside the PFL, the league changing the biggest question in MMA
"For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year," a statement read. “The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments