MANNY PACQUIAO could lose his WBA world title if he fights Conor McGregor, reports say.
The Filipino icon confirmed he is in talks to face McGregor, who lost his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather three years ago.
Manny Pacquiao ‘faces being stripped’ of the WBA welterweight title if he fights Conor McGregorCredit: Getty Images – Getty
McGregor and Pacquiao both confirmed they are in talks to fight Credit: Twitter / @TheNotoriousMMA
But according to World Boxing News, Pacquiao ‘faces being stripped’ of his welterweight title if he goes through the with mega-money headliner.
The 41-year-old won the WBA’s ‘Super’ title in July 2019, beating Keith Thurman, 31, on points.
He has not fought since, having seen his ring return delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic, meaning the belt has not been defended.
It is claimed the WBA want Pacquiao to defend his title within the next sixth months against a ranked contender.
McGregor’s manager Audie Attar, who last year linked up with PacMan, revealed talks are progressing for a fight in December or January with the Notorious.
That would mean Pacquiao would need to box again in April to satisfy the WBA.
Yordenis Ugas, 34, is the ‘Regular’ champion, and should PacMan be unable to face him in a unification, the Cuban could be elevated and Pacquiao stripped.
How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up ahead of their proposed fight
At present, the eight-division champ has no mandatory challenger, with Jamal James, 32, the No1 ranked contender.
It allows Pacquiao to face McGregor, 32, but it remains unclear whether the WBA will sanction it as a title fight.
And the governing body must also decide how long the champion can go without making a defence of his belt.
Mayweather’s uncle expects a one sided beatdown between Pacquiao and McGregor
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
