Yet another boxing legend has called out UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
Manny Pacquiao is the latest master of ‘the sweet science’ to throw his hat into the ring for a potential blockbuster boxing match with ‘The Notorious’ next year.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” Pacquiao wrote to McGregor on Instagram alongside a picture of the fighter. “Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma”
Pacquaio joins a long list of boxers who are falling over themselves to be next in line to secure what would likely be another money-spinning match-up with one of the most high-profile stars in all of sports, with even retired hall-of-famer Oscar De La Hoya indicating he wanted the match-up earlier this month.
At least Pacquiao is still active, though at 38-years-old he is in the final stages of his career and unexpectedly suffered the seventh loss of his 68-fight career earlier this year when he came out on the wrong end of a decision against Australian fighter Jeff Horn, losing his WBO Welterweight title in the process.
However, Pacquiao could be beaten to the punch by another former boxing champion, with UK boxing pundit Steve Bunce claiming earlier this week that Paulie Malignaggi told him he believes that he’s close to securing a deal to fight McGregor in April of 2018.
While they would likely cash in regardless of who he fights next, the UFC brass will surely want McGregor to get back into the Octagon next though, with interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson being known to be Dana White’s preferred choice for the Irishman’s next bout.
McGregor holds all the aces at this point though and both the MMA and boxing worlds are waiting with bated breath to find out what he decides to do next.
