Tag: Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao officially out of retirement, targeting fight with UFC star Conor McGregor

Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregorManny Pacquiao is officially out of retirement and he’s got some big names in mind for his return to…

Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor

Manny Pacquiao is officially out of retirement and he’s got some big names in mind for his return to the boxing ring.

The former eight-division world champion walked away from the sport in 2021 following a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, ‘Pacman’ has been working his way through the exhibition circuit, following in the footsteps of Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather and others. On April 20, he’s scheduled to compete against Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek in Thailand.

Sean Gibbons, an agent and advisor for Pacquiao, revealed that the boxing star is eyeing some pretty big names for his comeback tour. He also revealed that ‘Pacman’ is open to a return to the professional boxing scene.

“Technically he’s out of retirement,” Gibbons told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “He would love to fight Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia. He’s got about a year left. He just wants to fight. Manny feels that he’s in tremendous shape. He’s training for this exhibition but hopefully, that will lead to something bigger and better. I do [see a pro return for Pacquiao].”

Manny Pacquiao Wants to Settle Things with The Irishman inside the ring

In addition to names like ‘Tank’ Davis and Ryan Garcia, Pacquiao is open to a clash with former UFC two-division world champion Conor McGregor.

“One of the fights that people talked about for a long time was Manny Pacquiao versus Conor McGregor,” Gibbons added. “That’s something that will be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let’s go. It will be a good place to do it. It’s really simple. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia], loves big events, and he’s putting on the best events. It’s a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.” 

McGregor has been taking regular digs at Pacquiao ever since the Filipino was ordered to pay $5 million to Paradigm Sports Management, the company that also manages McGregor. Pacquaio received a 3.3 million dollar advance from the firm for agreeing to fight Mikey Garcia in 2020. Pacquiao later signed on for a bout with Errol Spence Jr. which prompted Paradigm to pursue legal action.

While in Saudi Arabia for the Day of Reckoning card in Riyadh, McGregor once again lobbied for a fight with Pacquaio and used the Paradigm lawsuit as ammunition.

“How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi? How does that sound to you? Wouldn’t you think Manny should have to come up in weight, considering it’s his sport? Would you think that’s what a man would do vs. what a mouse would do? Manny already owes me $8 million via the court of law,” McGregor told IFL TV. “He was signed to my management company and didn’t honor his deal. So fight at my weight and I’ll square that bill away.”

Conor McGregor Slams Manny Pacquiao as Mayweather Rematch announcement fails to excite Fight Fans

Conor McGregor and Manny PacquiaoConor McGregor is always looking for a way to extend his rivalry with legendary pugilist Manny Pacquaio. ‘PacMan’ surprised…

Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao

Conor McGregor is always looking for a way to extend his rivalry with legendary pugilist Manny Pacquaio.

‘PacMan’ surprised fight fights on New Year’s Eve, revealing that a rematch with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather was in the works for 2024. Pacquiao dropped the bombshell while making an appearance at RIZIN 45 inside the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The bout has not been officially announced, but if true, it will come nearly a decade removed from their ‘Fight of the Century’ scrap in 2015.

“I will see you here in Japan again, for a big fight,” the former eight-division world champion said before turning around and seemingly asking for permission to announce his opponent “Floyd Mayweather, I thought you wouldn’t want me to say that. I am excited for that. Thank you for always supporting RIZIN promotions” (h/t DailyMail).

Conor McGregor shared the clip on Instagram whilst taking a dig at Pacquiao, writing: “A lesson in how not to make an announcement.

Conor McGregor makes his own blockbuster announcement

Of course, the Irishman offered his own big New Year’s reveal, confirming that he would make his long-awaited return to the Octagon on June 28 to headline UFC 302 as part of the promotion’s annual International Fight Week in Las Vegas. McGregor is expected to square off with former Bellator MMA champion ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler in a 185-pound showdown.

Weeks before the announcement, McGregor vented his frustration over his lengthy layoff, suggesting that if the UFC didn’t lock down a date for his “greatest comeback in combat sports history,” he would pursue a fight with Pacquiao in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Get me back in there,” he told talkSPORT. “The Mac has lots to offer and loads to deliver. They are talking Manny here in Saudi. The lads in the UFC aren’t really talking any. So, the lads here are talking Manny, the UFC aren’t talking any. Give me something. I’m supposed to be back in April. It was supposed to be December!

“Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class. Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? Say it to him. Is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”

Manny Pacquaio to fight Muay Thai Legend Buakaw in ‘The Match of Legends’ on April 20

Manny Pacquiao vs. BuakawWe now have a date for the previously announced crossover clash between Manny Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek. Emanating from…

Manny Pacquiao vs. Buakaw

We now have a date for the previously announced crossover clash between Manny Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek.

Emanating from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, the eight-time boxing world champion will square off with the Muay Thai icon on April 20, 2024. Billed as ‘The Match of Legends,’ the bout will be contested under international boxing rules, in a “six three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks” format. The fighters will compete at 154 lbs, or 70kg, the equivalent of super welterweight in boxing, or junior middleweight in Muay Thai.

The winner will walk away with a cash prize of 10 million baht which translates to $289,000 and a WBC Legends Belt.

We are honored to have Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek for this historic event, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t want to miss,” Fresh Air Festival CEO Vinij Lertratanachai said in a statement.

Manny Pacquaio last competed in August 2021, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás. Over his 26-year career, ‘PacMan’ is the only boxer to win 12 world championships across eight different divisions. He is also the first fighter to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes.

With nearly 300 fights to his credit, Buakaw Banchamek is widely considered to be one of the greatest Muay Thai practitioners in the history of the sport. He is a two-time K-1 World Max Champion and has captured titles under the WMC and WBC banner. In November, he earned a decision victory over Saenchai at BKFC Asia 5. A month later, Buakaw added another win to his resume, besting Nayanesh Ayman at Rajadamnern Stadium.

UFC star Conor McGregor calls for Manny Pacquiao fight: ‘he owes me $8,000,000 via the court of law’

Conor McGregor calls for Manny Pacquiao fight he owes me eight million via court of law UFCFormer UFC champion Connor McGregor calls out Manny Pacquiao while sat next to Cristiano Ronaldo, who didn’t seem pleased…

Conor McGregor calls for Manny Pacquiao fight he owes me eight million via court of law UFC

Former UFC champion Connor McGregor calls out Manny Pacquiao while sat next to Cristiano Ronaldo, who didn’t seem pleased with the seating arrangement. 

Last night Saudi Arabia hosted the ‘Day of Recking’ all-heavyweight boxing event, featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. As you would expect from a Saudi promoted event, the place was filled with sports celebrities including Ronaldo, who was seated where he could be seen front and centre for the broadcast.

McGregor would then rock up, sitting right beside Cristiano Ronaldo who was not ecstatic to be reunited with Conor McGregor. 

Conor McGregor stirs up Manny Pacquiao fight talk

Talking to heavyweight contender, Derek Chisora for IFL TV, an animated McGregor brought up the idea of him Vs. Pacqauio in Saudi Arabia. 

“How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi,” Conor McGregor said. “How does that sound? Now, wouldn’t you think Manny should have to come up to my weight? Considering it’s his sport. Would you think that’s what a man would do versus what a mouse would do?

“Money talks? Well, Manny already owes me eight million via court of law cause he was signed to my management company and then didn’t honor his deal” (H/T MMA Mania)

McGregor was also picked up saying ‘tell Manny to grow a set of balls’ and asking ‘is he a man or a mouse’. 

There has been talks of McGregor for years now, the Irishman has expressed his interest in the fight on several occasions, but Pacquaio has never seemed overly-interested in the idea, it least publicly that is.  

Pacquaio is also officially ‘retired’ and 45 years old, however, he has flirted with the idea of making a return ever since his last fight, so who knows. 

Would you like to see Conor McGregor vs. Manny Pacquaio in Saudi Arabia?

Photo: Mike Tyson meets conor mcGregor ahead of Fury-Ngannou Fight in the middle east

Conor McGregorIrish megastar Conor McGregor met another combat sports icon, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, during his trip to Saudi Arabia Tyson…

Conor McGregor

Irish megastar Conor McGregor met another combat sports icon, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, during his trip to Saudi Arabia

Tyson and McGregor are both on hand in Riyadh this weekend to take part in the festivities at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh where ex-UFC titleholder Francis Ngannou will make his professional boxing debut against undefeated WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.

It will be a star-studded evening as some of the biggest names in both boxing and MMA are expected to be in attendance. That includes former legendary knockout artist Mike Tyson who has been coaching ‘The Predator’ for his highly anticipated clash and is expected to be Ngannou’s corner.

Also in attendance will be former UFC two-division champ Conor McGregor, who was spotted standing alongside Tyson and other superstars, including Manny Pacquiao, in Riyadh courtesy of Jed I. Goodman on X.

Conor McGregor Reignites His Rivalry with Manny Pacquiao Ahead of their appearances in riyadh

Earlier this week, Conor McGregor confirmed that he had received and accepted an invite to attend the event. In multiple voice notes, the Irishman shared his analysis of Ngannou vs. Fury, but he also made sure to send a word of warning to Manny Pacquiao, who had also accepted an invite to attend the event.

McGregor and Pacquaio are not on the best of terms after ‘PacMan’ was ordered to pay $5.1 million to Paradigm Sports, the same management firm that represents McGregor. Pacquaio was found to be in breach of contract and was ordered to pay back a $3.3 million advance from Paradigm in addition to another $1.8 million in damages. The former eight-division world champion is also on the hook for Paradigm’s court costs which are said to be more than $2 million.

Conor McGregor has repeatedly taken digs at Pacquiao online in light of the ruling and has issued another threat to the Filipino boxing star ahead of his travels to Saudi Arabia.

“You only just signed the contract, are you crazy? Are you stupid, Manny? Are you guys stupid? I’ll kick you in the head, in the neck, the inside leg, and take you off your feet and drag you by your ankle across the stage,” McGregor said in a since-deleted voice note on X. “And what then?“

Pacquiao has since responded to McGregor’s remark, simply saying, “Oh. He’s not active anymore.”

UFC Superstar Conor McGregor Goes in on ‘Stupid’ Manny Pacquiao: ‘I’ll kick you in the head’

Conor McGregorConor McGregor is once again going after legendary pugilist Manny Pacquiao hours before both men are expected to be…

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is once again going after legendary pugilist Manny Pacquiao hours before both men are expected to be in Saudi Arabia for Tyson Fury’s boxing match with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

The Irishman had quite the afternoon on social media, confirming that he would be hopping a jet to fly to Riyadh just in time to make his presence felt at Francis Ngannou’s highly anticipated clash with ‘The Gypsy King’ on Saturday. Also expected to be in attendance are a slew of boxing’s biggest stars, past and present, including Manny Pacquiao who has a bit of a history with McGregor and the former two-division champion’s management firm, Paradigm Sports.

In addition to offering his analysis of the Ngannou vs. Fury bout, Conor McGregor also delivered a word of warning to Pacquiao in a since-deleted post.

“Where’s my $8 million in that court case Manny Pacquiao? You owe me $8 million Manny,” McGregor said in the voice note. “You can appeal all you want. Hurry up with your appeal. You owe me that though, lad. You can’t sign a contract with an agency and then go and start getting other things imminently. Straight away, you don’t need to sign the contract. You’re crazy. Are you stupid Manny? Are you guys stupid?

“I’ll kick you in the head and in the neck and in the inside of the leg and take you off your feet and drag you by your ankle across the stage. What then? I had Floyd [Mayweather] bent over. I could’ve done anything with him. I should’ve done anything to him. Should have showed the world.”

Manny Pacquiao Ordered to Pay $5.1 million to Conor McGregor’s Management Firm

In May, Pacquiao lost a legal battle with Paradigm Sports, the same company that also manages McGregor. The suit stems from a 2021 breach of contract that Paradigm filed against the boxing icon. ‘PacMan’ was ultimately ordered to pay $5.1 million to Paradigm. He also owes the company $2 million in legal fees and ten percent annual interest that Paradigm can collect on the amount that dates back three years. 

Part of the judgment was repayment of $3.3 million that Paradigm made to Pacquiao as an advance after signing him to the firm with another $1.8 million levied against him as damages.

Shortly after news of the ruling broke, McGregor celebrated Paradigm’s victory online.

“Manny owes 8 all in,” McGregor wrote on X. “5.1 he owes and then 2.9 in legal fees. Legal fees are heavy but that’s what we do. Heavy weight operations.”