McGregor says negotiations with Pacquiao are ‘close’

Anton Tabuena

UFC star Conor McGregor says he will eventually get boxing gold.

Ahead of UFC 246, Conor McGregor has stated that he is already looking at his options ahead, naming how he wants rematches with the last two people who beat him in Khabib Nurmagomedov and Floyd Mayweather. The two-division champion also claimed that he is negotiating with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, and that it is “close” to happening.

“I would be open to other boxing bouts. You know, Manny (Pacquiao). We’re actually close to signing Manny,” McGregor told Ariel Helwani. “There’s been talks about the Manny fight as well. There’s been an offer made on (a bout against Pacquiao).

“There’s just negotiations going on,” he explained.

McGregor then reiterated that he wants other bouts and claims he will one day hold boxing gold.

“Just not yet,” McGregor said on why the Pacquiao fight hasn’t pushed through. “Very much so (it’s a possibility). And then the Paulie (Malignaggi) fight. I’d like to box Paulie. Why not? That’s a bit of buzz as well.

“I want to box again. I will box again. I will get a boxing world title.”

Helwani then said McGregor will probably have to box multiple times to get that.

“No,” McGregor replied, while bursting in laughter. “I would box multiple times. I love boxing, and I’m damn good.”