Of Course Manny Pacquiao Just Challenged Conor McGregor to a Boxing Match
Seeing as it was just American Thanksgiving, let’s take a minute to express gratitude to Manny Pacquiao. Not just for that angelic singing voice of his, but for challenging Conor McGregor to a fight in 2018. Clearly, if you’re a pugilist of any variety, taking on the UFC champ is the most lucrative decision you can make right now.
The boxer-turned-politician posted a photo of McGregor with a not-so-cryptic message on Instagram yesterday: “Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma.”
Pacquiao’s most recent fight since coming out of his very short-lived retirement was in July, when he lost to Aussie underdog Jeff Horn. To make matters worse for the Filipino legend, the fight was broadcast on ESPN, depriving him of the princely payday that comes with a pay-per-view blockbuster.
To make matters worse, the fight was broadcast on ESPN in the U.S. It was the first time Pac-Man was forced to fight on terrestrial TV since 2005, depriving him of the boffo payday what comes with a pay-per-view payout. Pac Man made $10 million for that one. A fight with McGregor could fetch him more around the $100 million mark. Is it any wonder why he wants to fight the guy?
So far, there’s been no clapback, as they say, on McGregor’s end. We predict that’ll change. Conor’s made it clear he’s very open to re-entering the boxing ring, and his fans have made it clear they’re capable of convincing themselves the Notorious One is can go toe-to-toe with just about any opponent. Even an opponent with hands like this:
Sure, McGregor looked way out of his depth against Floyd Mayweather, as predicted, but can’t you already hear fans explain why this time will be different? Conor has more experience now! Manny isn’t the fighter he used to be! Floyd beat Manny! Conor almost beat Floyd!
Do these imaginary fans have a point? Probably not. If these two ever do wind up entering the ring, all signs point to Conor getting spanked. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the McGregor, it’s that he’s got no qualms about taking an L against an opponent he’s far outclassed by if the payout is big enough. And the payout would indeed be bonkers. We’re talking commas upon commas upon commas. Just imagine! We know Manny is.
