Pacquiao to fight McGregor next year in the Middle East

The camp of boxing champ and incumbent senator Manny Pacquiao confirmed on Saturday that he will fight Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor next year.

“For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year," Pacquiao’s special assistant Jayke Joson said in a statement.

"The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic,” he added.

McGregor confirmed the fight earlier and said it will be held in the Middle East.

"Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook. I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East," he wrote on Twitter.

Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook.
I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 25, 2020

“Regarding the news coming from McGregor himself, we don’t deny it. In fact, our lawyers are finalizing all the confidential details, but both fighters are getting ready for this one epic last boxing fight. According to Paradigm Sports Management head Audie Attar, the fight may happen in the Middle East next year," Joson said.

Pacquiao however wants to focus first on helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

“But our beloved Senator doesn’t want to talk about boxing since we are in the middle of the pandemic and this is not the right time for it. His main focus right now is to help here and there, providing relief, shelter, money and food, among other necessities," he said.

“Personally, I am honored we are given by Senator MP (Manny Pacquiao) the full and the only authority to negotiate with the camp of McGregor together with business manager Arnold Vegafria, legal counsel Atty. Brando Viernesto and Audie Attar’s special assistant Ping Nepomuceno," Joson added.

“It is confirmed the negotiation between the camp of Senator Pacquiao and McGregor is now starting to move on. Again as what our senator says, all his fights are dedicated for the welfare and unity of all Filipinos including this one," he said.

Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, told AFP in an email on Friday a fight between the eight-division world champion and McGregor would be a "tremendous global event."

Pacquiao's last fight in the ring was against Keith Thurman in 2019, wherein the senator got the WBA welterweight crown. —KG, GMA News