Manny Pacquiao confirms he’ll fight Conor McGregor in Middle East next year

Former two-weight UFC champion McGregor claimed on Friday he was going to fight Pacquiao, and now the ring legend’s office appears to have confirmed the news

Manny Pacquiao appears to have confirmed he will fight former UFC star Conor McGregor in a sensational crossover bout in the Middle East next year.

McGregor claimed on Friday that he was set to take on Pacquiao, who is regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time and is now a senator in his native Phillipines.

And the news appears to have been confirmed by a statement from the ring legend’s office, with proceeds from the fight going towards helping Covid-19 victims.

“For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year,” the statement read.

“The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic.”

The statement added that Pacquiao and McGregor were “getting ready for this one epic last boxing fight” in the Middle East next year.

McGregor announced his retirement from the UFC this summer – but as it was the third time in four years he had made such an announcement, fans have been expecting to see him back in action soon.

The former two-weight UFC champion lost to 50-0 boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in 2017, and has previously hinted that he wanted to take on Mayweather’s former rival Pacquiao.