UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes a boxing mega-fight between Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao is now a possibility.
The potential bout would likely be one of the most lucrative of all time, pitting one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world against one of the most decorated boxers of all time. It’s an event that would be reminiscent of Conor McGregor’s 2017 clash with Floyd Mayweather, which unsurprisingly turned out to be the second most bought fight in PPV history.
Putting aside the obvious revenue a McGregor Pacquiao boxing match would generate, there are many hurdles in matching up such huge superstars. That’s irrespective of the fact the two compete in entirely different sports.
Luckily though, one of those huge hurdles has now been removed. Pacquiao has signed with Paradigm Sports Management.
What’s the significance of this you ask? Well, this is the same management company who represent McGregor.
In short, if two fighters are managed by the same company then it makes it a lot easier to put a fight together between the two. Even if it is between stars from different sports.
Rogan: “probably what the UFC wants”
The news of Pacquiao’s signing was revealed to Rogan during an episode of his MMA Show Podcast. “Manny Pacquiao inks deal with Paradigm Sports Management, who represent Conor McGregor.”
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The host of the JRE Experience was left with seemingly little doubt about what’s next for McGregor and Pacquiao: “Oh, Jesus. That’s probably what they’re gonna do. Manny Pacquiao Conor McGregor. That’s probably what the UFC wants to try and do.”
Should the bout come to fruition there will be inevitable backlash from MMA and boxing purists who won’t believe it’ll be competitive. There was similar sentiment for McGregor’s bout with Mayweather, although the Irishman far exceeded most pundits’ expectations after legitimately taking rounds off ‘Money’.
McGregor wants Pacquiao
During the build up to McGregor’s fight with Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, the Notorious was quizzed about a boxing match with Pacquiao.
When asked about Pacquiao and a poster that surfaced teasing a bout between the two at the new Las Vegas Stadium, McGregor replied: “I would be honored to be a part of that event.” He went to say: “What a fight that would be against Manny.”
Who knows whether we’ll get this mega-fight but after Pacquiao signing with the same management company as McGregor, it’s certainly more likely than it was.