CONOR MCGREGOR’S bout with Manny Pacquiao is expected to be confirmed without any major hitches because the Filipino does not have a mandatory challenger.
Pacquiao, 41, is currently the WBA welterweight title holder after beating Keith Thurman in July last year.
The Notorious’ scrap with the legendary boxer is believed to be targeted for December or January.
The Irishman tried his hand at boxing once before – but was unsuccessful when he was stopped in the tenth round against legend Floyd Mayweather back in 2017.
It has been confirmed that Pacquiao will not put his WBA belt on the line when the two fighters meet.
That is because the fight will be a money-spinning exhibition fight in the Middle East.
According to World Boxing News, Pacquiao does not have a mandatory challenger for his belt but does have a ‘regular’ champion, ‘interim’ champion, and ‘gold’ champion chasing a shot.
It means he is under no obligation to put his WBA title belt on the line.
Pacquiao recently revealed how he was willing to fight the 32-year-old but only if he acts as co-promoter.
He said in a statement: “At the present time, I do not have an existing management contract with Paradigm Sports Management.
“I have formed my own company, Pac Sports and Entertainment, and am more than willing to give the fans what they want: An exciting fight with Conor McGregor under terms and conditions where I am the co-promoter with my company.
“Thank you and God bless.”
