CONOR MCGREGOR’s chances of fighting Manny Pacquiao appear to be in tatters, with the legendary Filipino’s coach urging the Irishman to do battle with Logan Paul instead.
The Notorious was hotly tipped to face Pacquiao last year, amid his most recent MMA ‘retirement’.
But McGregor‘s plan to launch his quest to reclaim UFC lightweight gold before taking on Pacquiao haven’t panned out as he’d have hoped.
The 32-year-old twice lost to old foe Dustin Poirier in the Octagon, with disaster striking in the latter bout, as he broke his leg at UFC 264.
McGregor is is working towards recovery and bullishly expects big things upon his eventual return.
But a potential boxing comeback could be against YouTuber Paul, rather than Pacquiao, if PacMan’s coach Justin Fortune is to be believed.
Speaking to DAZN, Fortune urged McGregor: “Fight Logan Paul for the money, big guy, deserves it. I like Logan Paul, he’s got some skills.
“These exhibitions are great for the guys on YouTube who are making a lot of money. But it’s all good until someone gets hurt.
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“At the moment they’re making tons of money and no-one is getting hurt, and that’s all well and good, but if they start fighting serious guys – someone is going to get seriously hurt.”
Paul, 26, lost his professional debut to Brit KSI, but impressed many observers by surviving eight rounds with Floyd Mayweather back in June.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, may have entered the ring professionally for the final time, having lost to Yordenis Ugas last night in Las Vegas.
The popular star, 42, said: “In the future, you may not see Manny Pacquiao fight again in the ring.
“I don’t know. But for how many decades, I’m so happy with what I’ve done in boxing.
“I contribute a record in boxing also and to make boxing the top.
“And especially bring honour to my country and the Filipino people.
“I’m so proud to be a Filipino and thankful to all the fans all over the world.”
