Conor McGregor hints at 2021 boxing clash with Manny Pacquiao: 'I am ready for it all'

Conor McGregor plans to be a busy man in 2021 as he plots his fighting future in both MMA and boxing.

McGregor is all set to return to the octagon in the main event of UFC 257 on Jan. 23 in Abu Dhabi, where he’ll rematch former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. But the Irishman revealed that his fighting aspirations don’t lie exclusively within the eight walls of the octagon.

McGregor has been repeatedly linked with a boxing match with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, with the Filipino’s recent signing to Paradigm Sports Management, who also represents McGregor, only adding more intrigue to the rumors.

Speaking to The Mac Life from his training camp in Dubai, McGregor revealed that a matchup with Pacquiao remains a solid possibility, with a potential matchup between the pair a possibility for 2021 – despite UFC president Dana White recently mentioning it doesn’t interest him at this point.

“I know the talks are intensifying for this year,” he said.

“So I am excited for a Manny Pacquiao bout, and it’s looking like it will take place this year. What time this year, I’m not sure. We’re going to have to have some good discussions with Dana and with the guys and the UFC after (UFC 257) and see where it goes, what’s there, what do we want. I am open to it all. I am ready for it all.”

McGregor’s desire to box again may have been further encouraged by recent comments from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who suggested the former two-division UFC champion could find himself in a position to challenge for a WBC world boxing title if he defeats a top-15 contender upon his return to the ring.

But with Pacquiao currently a holding rival organization’s title – he is the WBA super champion at welterweight (147 pounds) – McGregor may potentially be able to negotiate his way into an instant title fight with the Filipino and give himself a chance to achieve a career goal by becoming a two-sport champion.

“I appreciate the comments from Sulaiman and, you know, I’ll certainly attain a boxing world title before I call it a day,” McGregor said.

“And I would be very excited to do it against Emmanuel Pacquiao.”