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Manny Pacquiao Targets Conor McGregor With Surprising Trash Talk

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 5:33 PM ET

A decade after their first fight, boxing icons Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are in serious negotiations for a blockbuster rematch. Pacquiao recently confirmed the ongoing fight negotiations during a press conference, revealing that the talks are progressing as the two camps still have a few final conditions left to settle. While Pacquiao also mentioned a possible exhibition fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko is also on the table, he made it clear that the historic and lucrative prospect of facing Mayweather again is clearly the priority.

During an interview with Rob Tebbutt for the International Boxing Association (IBA) YouTube channel, Pacquiao was asked about potential fights beyond the established names. When the name of an MMA icon came up, the typically jovial and diplomatic Pacquiao had some uncharacteristically harsh words to say.

Manny Pacquiao fights Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Tebbutt asked Pacquiao about the prospect of fighting UFC star Conor McGregor in a crossover bout.

Pacquiao responded, “Oh yes, that’s possible also, with Conor McGregor. It depends. As long as I can sell the fight.”

Tebbutt followed up this question by asking Pacquiao whether he would fight another UFC superstar, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or McGregor in a boxing match

“McGregor. Too much (gestures hand talking). I want to shut his mouth,” Pacquiao said.

Watch the full interview here:

McGregor famously crossed over into the boxing ring in 2017 for a high-profile mega-fight against Pacquiao's longtime rival, Floyd Mayweather.

He also tried to book a boxing match with Pacquiao, but according to Pacquiao, McGregor’s management team and legal issues prevented that fight from happening. McGregor's team, Paradigm Sports, filed a lawsuit in 2023, accusing Pacquiao of breaching an exclusive deal. The lawsuit, however, was overturned in 2024 due to licensing technicalities.

Ever since that dream matchup fell through and legal action was taken, there has been a lingering air of subtle hostility between the two.

On the other hand, “Pacman” had kind words for McGregor’s UFC rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Pacquiao explained to Tebbutt, “He’s a nice guy, he’s a nice person; humble. That’s an inspiration. That’s a good role model for sports.”

All of this talk towards McGregor could be a calculated part of Pacquiao's broader strategy to secure his future in the sport. His team has been actively exploring opportunities with Netflix, which has recently entered the boxing market with massive record-breaking boxing events like Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor, Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, and even exhibition-type boxing events like Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul.

A fight between global stars like Pacquiao and McGregor would be a perfect fit for such a platform. For now, however, Pacquiao is more focused on the final details of the potential Mayweather rematch.

“There’s an ongoing negotiation with Floyd, but at the end of the day, if that negotiation materializes [into a fight], we will announce it to the public,” Pacquiao said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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