Tag: Mike Garcia next fight

Conor McGregor unsure about Manny Pacquiao fight after UFC 257 defeat

Conor McGregor said he’s unsure whether a planned boxing match with Manny Pacquiao will happen after his UFC 257 defeat.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.

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ABU DHABI – All the moves were being made behind the scenes to make a Conor McGregor vs. Manny Pacquiao boxing match a reality but, following his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, “The Notorious” admitted he was unsure whether those plans would still come to fruition.

McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) suffered his third defeat in his last six UFC outings when he was finished by Poirier (27-6 MMA, 19-5 UFC) in the second round of their main event bout on “UFC Fight Island.”

After the bout, McGregor admitted that his rumored matchup with Pacquiao was close to being confirmed, but he said he wasn’t sure what would happen following his most recent loss.

“I always did want to focus on my MMA career, but I’m also open,” he told reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage after the fight. “I’ll see what happens. I don’t know what will happen. That Manny fight was happening. That was as good as done, so I don’t know.”

During fight week, McGregor appeared to be laying the groundwork for the matchup, telling The Mac Life that “talks are intensifying for this year,” and revealing that “it’s looking like it will take place this year.”

McGregor said he planned to discuss his future with UFC president Dana White after the fight, but, as a result of his loss to Poirier, those discussions might now go in a slightly different direction.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao reportedly is in talks to face lightweight contender Ryan Garcia.

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Conor McGregor unsure about Manny Pacquiao fight after UFC 257 defeat

Conor McGregor said he’s unsure whether a planned boxing match with Manny Pacquiao will happen after his UFC 257 defeat.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.

***

ABU DHABI – All the moves were being made behind the scenes to make a Conor McGregor vs. Manny Pacquiao boxing match a reality but, following his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, “The Notorious” admitted he was unsure whether those plans would still come to fruition.

McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) suffered his third defeat in his last six UFC outings when he was finished by Poirier (27-6 MMA, 19-5 UFC) in the second round of their main event bout on “UFC Fight Island.”

After the bout, McGregor admitted that his rumored matchup with Pacquiao was close to being confirmed, but he said he wasn’t sure what would happen following his most recent loss.

“I always did want to focus on my MMA career, but I’m also open,” he told reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage after the fight. “I’ll see what happens. I don’t know what will happen. That Manny fight was happening. That was as good as done, so I don’t know.”

During fight week, McGregor appeared to be laying the groundwork for the matchup, telling The Mac Life that “talks are intensifying for this year,” and revealing that “it’s looking like it will take place this year.”

McGregor said he planned to discuss his future with UFC president Dana White after the fight, but, as a result of his loss to Poirier, those discussions might now go in a slightly different direction.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao reportedly is in talks to face lightweight contender Ryan Garcia.

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Conor McGregor coach: ’85, 90% chance’ Manny Pacquiao fight happens

Conor McGregor’s boxing coach said there’s an ’85, 90% chance’ McGregor will fight Manny Pacquiao.

Momentum continues to build toward a boxing showdown between Manny Pacquiao and MMA star Conor McGregor.

McGregor’s boxing coach, Phil Sutcliffe, told ESPN that there’s an “85, 90 percent chance” the crossover fight will happen this spring. “Notorious” is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier in a rematch in UFC 257 on Jan. 23.

“85, 90 percent chance, maybe April, March. March, April or May,” Sutcliffe said. “I’d like him to be in a boxing camp for at least two months, eight weeks. I mean, he’s fit now, he’s going to train straight after the fight. He’s gonna take probably a week off.

“I told him take a week off. Don’t worry, if he wants to take a week off, he can, then go straight back on the horse. We don’t want him out galavanting too much, but he has to enjoy the win, he has to enjoy the win, enjoy the contest.”

The Irishman is in negotiations with the iconic welterweight beltholder from the Philippines for what would be a lucrative event for both men.

McGregor has said he wants to win a major boxing title. He was stopped by Floyd Mayweather in his only boxing match, a 2017 event that generated a fortune.

“I know that talks are intensifying for [a fight against Pacquiao] this year,” McGregor told his website The Mac Life. “I am excited for a Manny Pacquiao bout and it looks like it will happen this year. What time this year? I am not sure.

“We’ll have to have some good discussions with Dana White and the UFC and see where it goes. I am open to it all, ready for it all. I will certainly attain a boxing world title before I call it a day.

“And I would be excited to do that against Emmanuel Pacquiao.”

Pacquiao and his handlers also have made it clear that he’s interested in meeting McGregor in what would be a lucrative pay-per-view fight.

“Right now I want to experience fighting in MMA,” Pacquiao told the Filipino outlet BusinessMirror, which was a reference to McGregor.

Pacquiao, 42, last fought in July 2019, when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win his 147-pound belt.

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Conor McGregor coach: ’85, 90% chance’ Manny Pacquiao fight happens

Conor McGregor’s boxing coach said there’s an ’85, 90% chance’ McGregor will fight Manny Pacquiao.

Momentum continues to build toward a boxing showdown between Manny Pacquiao and MMA star Conor McGregor.

McGregor’s boxing coach, Phil Sutcliffe, told ESPN that there’s an “85, 90 percent chance” the crossover fight will happen this spring. “Notorious” is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier in a rematch in UFC 257 on Jan. 23.

“85, 90 percent chance, maybe April, March. March, April or May,” Sutcliffe said. “I’d like him to be in a boxing camp for at least two months, eight weeks. I mean, he’s fit now, he’s going to train straight after the fight. He’s gonna take probably a week off.

“I told him take a week off. Don’t worry, if he wants to take a week off, he can, then go straight back on the horse. We don’t want him out galavanting too much, but he has to enjoy the win, he has to enjoy the win, enjoy the contest.”

The Irishman is in negotiations with the iconic welterweight beltholder from the Philippines for what would be a lucrative event for both men.

McGregor has said he wants to win a major boxing title. He was stopped by Floyd Mayweather in his only boxing match, a 2017 event that generated a fortune.

“I know that talks are intensifying for [a fight against Pacquiao] this year,” McGregor told his website The Mac Life. “I am excited for a Manny Pacquiao bout and it looks like it will happen this year. What time this year? I am not sure.

“We’ll have to have some good discussions with Dana White and the UFC and see where it goes. I am open to it all, ready for it all. I will certainly attain a boxing world title before I call it a day.

“And I would be excited to do that against Emmanuel Pacquiao.”

Pacquiao and his handlers also have made it clear that he’s interested in meeting McGregor in what would be a lucrative pay-per-view fight.

“Right now I want to experience fighting in MMA,” Pacquiao told the Filipino outlet BusinessMirror, which was a reference to McGregor.

Pacquiao, 42, last fought in July 2019, when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win his 147-pound belt.

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Manny Pacquiao would dominate Conor McGregor: Joe Rogan

UFC commentator Joe Rogan said that Manny Pacquiao would dominate Conor McGregor in a boxing match.

Joe Rogan stated the obvious on his podcast.

The UFC commentator said that MMA star Conor McGregor would not fare well in a boxing match against eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao even though the Filipino icon turned 42 on Dec. 17.

The two have expressed an interest in fighting one another but it’s not about competition. It’s about money, just as McGregor’s 2017 mismatch against Floyd Mayweather was.

“You’re talking about one of the greatest boxers of all time against a guy with one professional boxing match,” Rogan said.

Rogan was reminded by podcast guest Tony Hinchcliffe that McGregor had some early success against Mayweather before he was stopped in the 10th round. The host corrected Hinchcliffe.

“Let me tell you something,” Rogan said. “The reason it was close is because Mayweather let [McGregor] blow his wad. … Mayweather had to figure out Conor’s timing.

“Conor is not a professional boxer. Because he’s not a professional boxer, he’s not as efficient, and he’s going to get tired easier. [Mayweather’s] style is take the minimum amount of damage, find your openings and then establish your game and dominate.

“Conor is a freak. He’s an explosive guy. He’s so fast, and there’s no remedy for that, other than getting [him] tired. What Mayweather was doing was boxing with him, but preserving [energy].

“[He was] being safe, realized that Conor can punch, but drag him into deep water. That’s what a guy like Mayweather will do.”

And it’s what a guy like Pacquiao would do.

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Manny Pacquiao would dominate Conor McGregor: Joe Rogan

UFC commentator Joe Rogan said that Manny Pacquiao would dominate Conor McGregor in a boxing match.

Joe Rogan stated the obvious on his podcast.

The UFC commentator said that MMA star Conor McGregor would not fare well in a boxing match against eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao even though the Filipino icon turned 42 on Dec. 17.

The two have expressed an interest in fighting one another but it’s not about competition. It’s about money, just as McGregor’s 2017 mismatch against Floyd Mayweather was.

“You’re talking about one of the greatest boxers of all time against a guy with one professional boxing match,” Rogan said.

Rogan was reminded by podcast guest Tony Hinchcliffe that McGregor had some early success against Mayweather before he was stopped in the 10th round. The host corrected Hinchcliffe.

“Let me tell you something,” Rogan said. “The reason it was close is because Mayweather let [McGregor] blow his wad. … Mayweather had to figure out Conor’s timing.

“Conor is not a professional boxer. Because he’s not a professional boxer, he’s not as efficient, and he’s going to get tired easier. [Mayweather’s] style is take the minimum amount of damage, find your openings and then establish your game and dominate.

“Conor is a freak. He’s an explosive guy. He’s so fast, and there’s no remedy for that, other than getting [him] tired. What Mayweather was doing was boxing with him, but preserving [energy].

“[He was] being safe, realized that Conor can punch, but drag him into deep water. That’s what a guy like Mayweather will do.”

And it’s what a guy like Pacquiao would do.

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Conor McGregor a step closer to reality

Manny Pacquiao signed with the management firm Paradigm Sports, which has McGregor as a client, meaning they could be closer to a showdown.

Manny Pacquiao might’ve moved a step close to fighting Conor McGregor.

The Filipino icon signed with the management firm Paradigm Sports, which already has McGregor as a client. He had announced in February that he agreed to a deal with the Irvine, Calif., company but evidently hadn’t signed a contract.

Pacquiao revealed the news on Twitter.

“Excited to have officially partnered with @ParadigmSports. Grateful for the support of my family, team, and fans as I continue my professional boxing journey. Big Things coming! Stay tuned!” he said.

McGregor retweeted the message on his account.

The MMA star, who fought Floyd Mayweather in 2017, tweeted last month that he would be fighting Pacquiao in the Middle East, although he didn’t say when or where.

An aide to Pacquiao responded by saying that the future Hall of Famer would indeed fight McGregor, with the bulk of proceeds going toward coronavirus relief in the Philippines. And Pacquiao himself later said he is open to the fight, although he wants to co-promote it.

McGregor is expected to face MMA rival Dustin Poirier before he meets Pacquiao, which means the latter fight almost certainly would take place next year.

Pacquiao, 42, last fought in July of last year, when he outpointed Keith Thurman to win a welterweight title. Contender Mikey Garcia, like Pacquiao a small 147-pounder, was thought to be a leading candidate to face him next.

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Conor McGregor a step closer to reality

Manny Pacquiao signed with the management firm Paradigm Sports, which has McGregor as a client, meaning they could be closer to a showdown.

Manny Pacquiao might’ve moved a step close to fighting Conor McGregor.

The Filipino icon signed with the management firm Paradigm Sports, which already has McGregor as a client. He had announced in February that he agreed to a deal with the Irvine, Calif., company but evidently hadn’t signed a contract.

Pacquiao revealed the news on Twitter.

“Excited to have officially partnered with @ParadigmSports. Grateful for the support of my family, team, and fans as I continue my professional boxing journey. Big Things coming! Stay tuned!” he said.

McGregor retweeted the message on his account.

The MMA star, who fought Floyd Mayweather in 2017, tweeted last month that he would be fighting Pacquiao in the Middle East, although he didn’t say when or where.

An aide to Pacquiao responded by saying that the future Hall of Famer would indeed fight McGregor, with the bulk of proceeds going toward coronavirus relief in the Philippines. And Pacquiao himself later said he is open to the fight, although he wants to co-promote it.

McGregor is expected to face MMA rival Dustin Poirier before he meets Pacquiao, which means the latter fight almost certainly would take place next year.

Pacquiao, 42, last fought in July of last year, when he outpointed Keith Thurman to win a welterweight title. Contender Mikey Garcia, like Pacquiao a small 147-pounder, was thought to be a leading candidate to face him next.

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Manny Pacquiao forms promotional firm, wants rights to McGregor bout

Manny Pacquiao has formed his own promotional company and wants the rights to stage a fight with Conor McGregor.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Manny Pacquiao released a statement on Wednesday revealing that he now handles his own promotional business dealings and that “the fans want” the boxing legend to co-promote any possible fight with MMA star Conor McGregor.

In a public series of verbal confrontations with UFC president Dana White, McGregor has hinted that his next competitive foray will be either a return MMA fight with Dustin Poirier in Ireland or another step into boxing against Pacquiao.

Pacquiao tweeted that he was no longer under contract to Audie Attar’s Paradigm Sports Management, which also has McGregor as a client, and that he would want to co-promote a crossover bout with the Irishman.

The statement read: “At the present time, I do not have an existing management contract with Audie Attar. I have formed my own company, Pac Sports and Entertainment, and am more than willing to give the fans what they want: an exciting fight with Conor McGregor under terms and conditions where I am the co-promoter with my company. Thank you and God bless.”

The news comes very soon after Attar had hinted that such a fight would need the blessing of White, since McGregor remains under UFC contract, though Pacquiao’s now ex-manager was confident they had White’s go-ahead.

Welterweight contender Mikey Garcia has said that he, not Conor McGregor, will be the next to fight Pacquiao.

McGregor of course stepped into the boxing ring once before, when he lost to unbeaten star Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. Mayweather also defeated Pacquiao in their long-anticipated showdown in May 2015.

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Manny Pacquiao forms promotional firm, wants rights to McGregor bout

Manny Pacquiao has formed his own promotional company and wants the rights to stage a fight with Conor McGregor.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Manny Pacquiao released a statement on Wednesday revealing that he now handles his own promotional business dealings and that “the fans want” the boxing legend to co-promote any possible fight with MMA star Conor McGregor.

In a public series of verbal confrontations with UFC president Dana White, McGregor has hinted that his next competitive foray will be either a return MMA fight with Dustin Poirier in Ireland or another step into boxing against Pacquiao.

Pacquiao tweeted that he was no longer under contract to Audie Attar’s Paradigm Sports Management, which also has McGregor as a client, and that he would want to co-promote a crossover bout with the Irishman.

The statement read: “At the present time, I do not have an existing management contract with Audie Attar. I have formed my own company, Pac Sports and Entertainment, and am more than willing to give the fans what they want: an exciting fight with Conor McGregor under terms and conditions where I am the co-promoter with my company. Thank you and God bless.”

The news comes very soon after Attar had hinted that such a fight would need the blessing of White, since McGregor remains under UFC contract, though Pacquiao’s now ex-manager was confident they had White’s go-ahead.

Welterweight contender Mikey Garcia has said that he, not Conor McGregor, will be the next to fight Pacquiao.

McGregor of course stepped into the boxing ring once before, when he lost to unbeaten star Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. Mayweather also defeated Pacquiao in their long-anticipated showdown in May 2015.

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