Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) recently surprised fans with the announcement of a potential reincarnation of his ‘Fight of the Century’ against boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs). However, this announcement failed to create the buzz he hoped for. And as the response fell flat, UFC star Conor McGregor (22-6, 19 KOs) wasted no time taking digs at ‘Pacman’.
Pacquiao announced the rematch while attending the Saitama Super Arena in Japan for Rizin 45. “I hope to see you here again next year, in Japan, with big fight against…Floyd Mayweather, yeah. I thought you didn’t want me to say that,” he said.
However, the lack of response from fans and Mayweather himself amused the former UFC champ. McGregor took to Instagram to repost Pacquiao’s announcement as a story.
“A lesson in how not to make an announcement,” he wrote. It sure looks like McGregor has also lost faith in the once-iconic matchup.
McGregor believes that Pacquiao might be a ‘mouse’
‘Notorious’ announced his UFC comeback on New Year’s Day. He is set to face Michael Chandler (23-8, 11 KOs) on June 29, 2024. The middleweight bout will take place in Las Vegas.
While waiting for the UFC to set up the fight, the former champ was itching to return to the boxing ring with a Pacquiao fight. “Get me back in there. 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,” he said in an interview with Talksport.
While seated ringside with soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, he ensured that he cemented the idea of a potential Pacquiao bout. “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,” McGregor said. “Is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”
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