Opening Odds Heavily Favor Pacquiao Over McGregor in Boxing Bout
- Rumors of a crossover boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor have been circulating
- What led to this fight even being suggested?
- Scroll below for the fight odds and the backstory on Pacquiao vs McGregor
A possible prizefight between Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor is being discussed all over social media. Nothing is official, but there is a realistic chance it comes to fruition, especially considering the vast sums of money both would earn.
This would mark the second pro boxing bout for former dual-division UFC champion McGregor. His debut was a losing effort via tenth-round TKO to Floyd Mayweather in August 2017.
After a spirited performance against “Money” Mayweather, McGregor is not looking for any kind of softball sophomore outing against a proven champion with over seventy pro bouts.
Pacquiao vs McGregor Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Manny Pacquiao | -450 |
| Conor McGregor | +325 |
Odds taken Sept. 25th.
Since initial rumblings began for this fight, the line has shifted a bit, making Pacquiao an even more sizable favorite.
McGregor has indicated on and off for several years his interest in fighting Pacquiao. The eight weight-class champ has shown mutual interest in stepping in the ring with McGregor in past interactions.
McGregor’s interest seems almost purely competitive. He has indicated he has tremendous respect for Pacquiao’s accomplishments as a fighter. McGregor seems to just want to test stills against one of the best practitioners of this generation.
Will McGregor Come Out of Retirement Again?
Like everyone on the planet, McGregor has dealt with his own share of issues in 2020.
After defeating Donald Cerrone in January, the Irishman looked to negotiate some follow-up bouts, but negotiations stalled and McGregor announced his retirement for the 58th time (rough estimate).
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion took to his preferred social media platform and mentioned a specific location for Pacquiao vs McGregor.
Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook.
I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 25, 2020
Since this self-imposed end to his combat career, speculation has run rampant as to where Conor McGregor will compete next. Some of options that were pontificated on included various fellow UFC lightweights and welterweights, a bona fide legend of MMA, as well as a fight where McGregor wouldn’t wear gloves.
McGregor’s manager Audie Attar told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that the targeted date for this fight is either December or January.
Manny Pacquiao’s Boxing Resume
UFC president Dana White has long had discussions about starting Zuffa Boxing.
Pacquiao vs McGregor is the type of big-name fight that White would love to use kick off this new brand in the biggest possible way.
Pacquiao’s team indicated that the Filipino Senator was intrigued by the challenge and creating a widespread global event.
Though he is in his early 40s, Pacquiao is still very much ranked among the top-five welterweights in the world today.
“Pac-Man” last stepped into the ring in July 2019. In that outing, he bested previously unbeaten Keith Thurman for the WBA super welterweight title.
McGregor is a master of fight promotion and he definitely was shifting the line prior to that Mayweather fight. I foresee a similar evolution in taking place with the odds for McGregor vs Pacquiao. Expect the Irishman to hype up his chances and his legions of fans to buy it, leading to a shorter price on McGregor as the fight draws nearer.
A part-time writer and full-time broadcaster, Dylan has hosted MMA talk shows Lights Out and Pure Fight Radio with featured guests like Jens Pulver, Roy Nelson, Miesha Tate, and covered some of the biggest MMA promotions like Rumble in the Cage, Unified MMA, and King of the Cage.
