Manny Pacquiao is looking to stage a big fight in 2021 and the Filipino boxing icon said he prefers an epic showdown with UFC superstar Conor McGregor. The boxing match is yet to be scheduled but already experts are saying that fans are in for a thrilling encounter.
If the fight pushes through, and the two fighters' camps are saying it is definitely on, it essentially will be a clash of boxing and MMA fighting skills. While the duel will play out with the boxing rules in effect, the unknown elements to be seen promise exciting entertainment.
Monsour del Rosario, a compatriot of Pacquiao and a martial arts expert, swore the Pacquiao vs. McGregor is something to watch for. It is a second serving of McGregor's first try at professional boxing and many are holding their breath.
Will The Notorious do any better compared to his losing effort against Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Or will he pull a surprise by scoring a win against a boxing legend like Pacquiao, who is an eight-division world champion?
One thing is sure, according to Del Rosario, that it will be an exciting bout as both fighters have proven to be tough and powerful while on the boxing ring or octagon.
"The Senator always delivers an exciting fight every time he steps into the ring. McGregor is a UFC champion and also a good striker so I think it will be an exciting fight," the former taekwondo champion told The Manila Times.
One aspect of the fight that the rest of the world will likely not see is Pacquiao's purpose for signing on the mega-bout with McGregor. The fighting legislator did not deny that the challenge of fighting an MMA warrior and the prize money are his strongest motivation.
And money matters a great deal because Pacquiao allocates a portion of his boxing income to help the less unfortunate in the Philippines. Alvin Aguilar, an MMA artist, said Filipinos are excited whenever Pacquiao fights because they knew the boxing champ intends to give back.
Aguilar said: "The more money he makes ... the better for a lot of people who he sincerely helps."
Jayke Joson, a close aide of Pacquiao, said his boss has been wanting to face McGregor full aware that boxing and MMA fans would love to see the two fighters slugging out atop the boxing ring.
"Senator MP [Manny Pacquiao] wants to unite all the boxing and MMA fans around the world in this upcoming fight," The Philippine Star reported Joson as saying.
He added that Pacquiao is preparing hard for the face-off with McGregor, and that should ensure that fans will get to see a classic boxing showdown.
