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    Jake Paul calls out Conor McGregor protege Dylan Moran after Irish starlet said he’d put Paul brothers ‘to sleep’

    JAKE PAUL has hit back at Conor McGregor’s sparring Dylan Moran after the boxer vowed to KO the YouTuber.
    The Irish welterweight recently vowed to teach Paul and his older brother, Logan, ‘some manners’ if they show up to Abu Dhabi for McGregor’s UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier.

    Dylan Moran is currently in Abu Dhabi helping Conor McGregor prepare for hIs UFC 257 showdown with Dustin PoirierCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

    Dylan Moran has found himself on the receiving end of trolling from Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

    Jake Paul has been campaigning heavily for a boxing match with Conor McGregorCredit: INSTAGRAM

    It didn’t take long for Paul to get wind of Moran’s threat, which he responded to his Instagram story.
    He said: “Conor’s taking easy fights. But he’s been sparring in Ireland!”
    “He’s been boxing, going against some phenomenal, exciting Irish talent,” adds Paul, dripping with sarcasm.
    “This kid must be really good, because Conor’s a ‘good boxer’ right? And then we looked this kid up!

    “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you: the big, bad, exciting Irish talent – Dylan Moran, the kid that Conor McGregor is sparring against. Take a look!”
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    Paul’s story then cut to footage of Moran being dropped three times in his 2019 loss to Dennis Okoth.
    The final image was of Moran on the canvas, a snap which included the accompanying caption: “This is who Conor is calling a phenomenal boxer.”

    Paul’s trolling of Moran is his latest attempt to get under the skin of The Notorious, who he’s desperate to fight.
    The 23-year-old has been campaigning relentlessly for a bout with the Dubliner since his stunning KO of Nate Robinson last November, going as far as to direct message the former two-division UFC champion on Instagram.

    In an expletive-laden Instagram video, Paul said to Mystic Mac: “What the f** is up you Irish c**t? Good morning Conor McGregor.
    “I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j**ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
    “My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
    “But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.

    “You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
    “But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact.
    “And Dana White, you’re a f***ing p***y, you ugly f***ing bald bitch.
    “You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
    “Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ng contract you idiots. Irish b***h, f**k these guys.”

    Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor, Dana White and Michael Bisping in latest foul-mouthed social media clip More

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    UFC star Conor McGregor given green light to fight for world title in BOXING if he beats one ranked WBC contender

    CONOR McGREGOR would be given the green light to fight for a world title in BOXING as long as he defeats a ranked WBC contender.
    McGregor made his lucrative ring debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds

    Conor McGregor during his boxing debut with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Rex Features

    Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor pictured in 2017 next to the WBC’s ‘Money’ belt Credit: AP:Associated Press

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    The WBC helped sanction the crossover spectacle, even putting up a ‘Money’ belt for the occasion.
    But with McGregor last year revealing that he envisions winning a title for real in boxing, he has been handed hope of achieving his audacious goal.
    All the Irishman has to do is claim a victory over a contender rated in the top 15 by the WBC, as the sanctioning body will take into account his prior accolades in the UFC.

    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
    “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.
    “We also have amateur superstars like Vasiliy Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.”
    Masterful Ukrainian Lomachenko – who left the amateurs with a 396-1 record – won the WBO belt in only his second pro bout.

    And the WBC have a long history of Thai Boxing champions switching over to the sweet science with great success, like Samart Payakaroon who reigned in both sports.

    Conor McGregor revealed he wants to win a world title in boxing

    Conor McGregor sparring ahead of his UFC return

    With McGregor’s history as the UFC’s top attraction, as well as 19 knockouts in his 22 wins, the southpaw would be equally entitled to a shot at the famous green and gold WBC belt.
    Sulaiman said: “If he is to start boxing and proves with victories in boxing then he should certainly be given the opportunity to fight for a world title.
    “We, in the WBC, consider the amateur career as one of the criteria for rankings.
    “And, for example Muay Thai, in Thailand, we consider that career also when they enter into boxing.
    “So, Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
    “This is not a rookie entering the sport, he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
    McGregor, 32, won early rounds against Mayweather, 43, before tiring as the 50-0 icon took over down the stretch.

    Conor McGregor was beaten in ten rounds by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Reuters
    Despite defeat, it has not stopped him from calling for a rematch, and even entering talks to face Manny Pacquiao, 42, in the future.
    For now, though, McGregor is focussing on his octagon return, as he rematches Dustin Poirier, 31, on January 23.
    But Sulaiman believes the former two-weight UFC champion has the tools necessary to reach the pinnacle of boxing – but has to prove it against a worthy contender first.
    He said: “What we saw with Mayweather was of course different with the times, the rounds, it is not the same to fight five rounds to then go 12 rounds.
    “But he has ability, he has power, he has status as a fighter.
    “But, to compete and become a world champion in the WBC, he would need to fight in boxing and by merit be ranked. Then, he would be in the position to challenge.
    “I don’t know what weight category he would be, but definitely he would need to get a decisive win against a quality opponent to be considered to be ranked.”

    Owen Roddy says people don’t punch like Conor McGregor ahead of Poirier fight More

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    Conor McGregor’s manager says Floyd Mayweather ‘knows he would lose’ in a rematch against UFC star or Manny Pacquiao

    CONOR McGREGOR’S manager said Floyd Mayweather ‘knows he would lose’ against the UFC star and Manny Pacquiao so will avoid a rematch.
    Mayweather finally ended five years worth of talking in 2015 as he outpointed Pacquiao in the most lucrative fight of all time.

    Floyd Mayweather beat UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017 Credit: AFP or licensors

    Manny Pacquiao was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in 2015 Credit: AFP – Getty

    He then fought McGregor two years later and after winning in ten rounds announced his retirement.
    Despite hanging up the gloves, Mayweather returned in 2018 for an exhibition in Tokyo, and wiped out featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in one round.
    And he faces YouTuber Logan Paul in February, in his most daring pay-per-view spectacle of all.
    Audi Attar – who manages McGregor and Pacquiao – poked fun at Mayweather’s mismatch with Paul and claimed the 50-0 legend will swerve his superstar clients.

    Attar told  Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport: “I do believe Conor vs Floyd again, he beats him. I don’t think Floyd ever takes it.
    “Floyd’s taking YouTubers for a paycheck right now. Floyd could take Manny Pacquiao in a rematch, you don’t see him taking that fight.
    “Floyd could take Conor McGregor for a rematch, you don’t see him taking that fight.

    Conor McGregor with manager Audi Attar Credit: Instagram @audieattar

    Audi Attar pictured with Manny Pacquiao

    “But he’ll take a Logan Paul. He’ll take the young Japanese fighter he fought previously.

    “I think that’s what he’s going to do, Floyd knows he would lose if he took on either Manny Pacquiao or Conor McGregor.”
    McGregor, 32, made his boxing debut against Mayweather, 43, and since defeat has called for a rematch.
    But his return to the ring will likely be against Pacquiao, 42, after their manager Attar confirmed the pair are on course to box this year.
    He said: “I definitely believe it’s inevitable for 2021. Both fighters want it, that’s the key.
    “You can’t make something happen or orchestrate it or choreograph it – which is the buzzword of this interview – you can’t fake that.
    “If one side wants it and the other doesn’t, it’s not going to happen. But when both fighters want that fight to happen, why wouldn’t it happen?
    “If the fans want to see it – that almost guarantees that it’s going to happen, right? As there’s enough interest to develop something there.”

    Phil Sutcliffe says Conor McGregor is the Muhammad Ali of UFC More

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    Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao in 2021 is ‘inevitable’ with ‘plan’ to face Filipino legend in next fight after UFC 257

    CONOR McGREGOR boxing Manny Pacquiao in 2021 is ‘inevitable’ with the Irishman planning fight the Filipino legend after Dustin Poirier, according to the duo’s manager.
    McGregor makes his return to action on January 23, in a rematch with Poirier, who he beat in 2014.

    Manny Pacquiao could fight Conor McGregor in 2021 Credit: AP:Associated Press

    Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao both have the same management Credit: Rex Features

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    But before his UFC comeback was confirmed, the Irishman was in talks to face Pacquiao.
    Those plans will now be on ice until after UFC 257 on Fight Island, but manager Audi Attar, who represents both men, is confident the superstars will be in the ring with each other this year.
    Attar told Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport: “I definitely believe it’s inevitable for 2021.

    “Both fighters want it, that’s the key.
    “You can’t make something happen or orchestrate it or choreograph it – which is the buzzword of this interview – you can’t fake that.
    “If one side wants it and the other doesn’t, it’s not going to happen. But when both fighters want that fight to happen, why wouldn’t it happen?
    “If the fans want to see it – that almost guarantees that it’s going to happen, right? As there’s enough interest to develop something there.”

    McGregor, 32, announced via Twitter in September that he would be boxing Pacquiao, 42, in his next bout.

    Audi Attar pictured with Manny Pacquiao

    But after the UFC approached him to instead return to the cage and for a second fight with Poirier, 31, he turned his attention to MMA once more.
    Now, McGregor has the intention of resuming talks with eight-division champion PacMan once his business on Fight Island is completed.
    Attar said: “The UFC said, ‘Alright, let’s do that rematch’. We said, ‘OK, well let’s do that rematch first then, but then Manny will be the next fight’.
    “And that’s what both fighters want. So, that’s the plan.
    “We’ve been having amazing conversation with stakeholders across the world, including the Middle East.
    “We’ll see where it goes. I’d be shocked if it didn’t happen in 2021.”

    Owen Roddy says people don’t punch like Conor McGregor ahead of Poirier fight More

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    Watch as UFC icon Khabib leaves football opponent for dead with shock burst of speed in match with Dutch legend Seedorf

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov left his opponent for dead in a football match in Dubai featuring Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf.
    Footage emerged of Khabib knocking the ball past the opposing full-back and running down the wing.

    Khabib Nurmagomedov left his opponent for dead in a football match in Dubai

    Khabib pictured with Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf, centre in blue

    Nurmagomedov then posed for pictures after the game and even tried a cheeky takedown with AC Milan icon Seedorf.
    Khabib, 32, who retired from the UFC last year, is a big football fan and follows Liverpool and Real Madrid.
    Nurmagomedov has enjoyed a friendship with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
    He revealed he once picked Ronaldo’s brain on how to be an elite sportsman – and even said he preferred football to fighting.

    Khabib told UFC Russia last year: “When I met Cristiano, I had so many questions to ask.
    “I wanted to know how he was able to maintain his desire to be the best for 17 years straight.
    “Since 2003 he has been at the highest level and every time at the end of the season he is in the top-ten players ranking list.
    “Moreover, he was the best for seven or eight years straight in Europe and in the world. He won the Golden Ball five times, won the Champions League five times.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo pictured with UFC legend Khabib Credit: instagram

    “He won everything while he was in Manchester United and Real Madrid. Two world class football leagues. He won everything.
    “I was wondering how he managed to achieve it.
    “As far as I understand it, his internal energy, desire, motivation, discipline, recovery techniques, regime, nutrition – he combines all of it.”
    Interestingly, Ronaldo, 35, told boxer Gennady Golovkin he prefers watching boxing and UFC over football.
    He said: “Playing football is my passion, but I prefer watching other sports on TV.
    “Between watching a football match or a boxing or UFC fight, I choose boxing or UFC.” More

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    UFC superstar Conor McGregor given green light to fight for world title in BOXING if he beats one ranked WBC contender

    CONOR McGREGOR would be given the green light to fight for a world title in BOXING as long as he defeats a ranked WBC contender.
    McGregor made his lucrative ring debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds

    Conor McGregor during his boxing debut with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Rex Features

    Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor pictured in 2017 next to the WBC’s ‘Money’ belt Credit: AP:Associated Press

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    The WBC helped sanction the crossover spectacle, even putting up a ‘Money’ belt for the occasion.
    But with McGregor last year revealing that he envisions winning a title for real in boxing, he has been handed hope of achieving his audacious goal.
    All the Irishman has to do is claim a victory over a contender rated in the top 15 by the WBC, as the sanctioning body will take into account his prior accolades in the UFC.

    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
    “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.
    “We also have amateur superstars like Vasiliy Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.”
    Masterful Ukrainian Lomachenko – who left the amateurs with a 396-1 record – won the WBO belt in only his second pro bout.

    And the WBC have a long history of Thai Boxing champions switching over to the sweet science with great success, like Samart Payakaroon who reigned in both sports.

    Conor McGregor revealed he wants to win a world title in boxing

    Conor McGregor sparring ahead of his UFC return

    With McGregor’s history as the UFC’s top attraction, as well as 19 knockouts in his 22 wins, the southpaw would be equally entitled to a shot at the famous green and gold WBC belt.
    Sulaiman said: “If he is to start boxing and proves with victories in boxing then he should certainly be given the opportunity to fight for a world title.
    “We, in the WBC, consider the amateur career as one of the criteria for rankings.
    “And, for example Muay Thai, in Thailand, we consider that career also when they enter into boxing.
    “So, Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
    “This is not a rookie entering the sport, he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
    McGregor, 32, won early rounds against Mayweather, 43, before tiring as the 50-0 icon took over down the stretch.

    Conor McGregor was beaten in ten rounds by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Reuters
    Despite defeat, it has not stopped him from calling for a rematch, and even entering talks to face Manny Pacquiao, 42, in the future.
    For now, though, McGregor is focussing on his octagon return, as he rematches Dustin Poirier, 31, on January 23.
    But Sulaiman believes the former two-weight UFC champion has the tools necessary to reach the pinnacle of boxing – but has to prove it against a worthy contender first.
    He said: “What we saw with Mayweather was of course different with the times, the rounds, it is not the same to fight five rounds to then go 12 rounds.
    “But he has ability, he has power, he has status as a fighter.
    “But, to compete and become a world champion in the WBC, he would need to fight in boxing and by merit be ranked. Then, he would be in the position to challenge.
    “I don’t know what weight category he would be, but definitely he would need to get a decisive win against a quality opponent to be considered to be ranked.”

    Owen Roddy says people don’t punch like Conor McGregor ahead of Poirier fight More

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    UFC superstar Conor McGregor can BEAT Manny Pacquiao in boxing match, says legend Evander Holyfield

    CONOR MCGREGOR has a ‘chance’ of beating Manny Pacquiao in a boxing match, former undisputed cruiserweight champion Evander Holyfield believes.
    A blockbuster crossover fight between the pair has been mooted for well over a year, with McGregor teasing a 2021 showdown last September.

    Conor McGregor entered the boxing world in the summer of 2017 to face Floyd Mayweather JrCredit: Getty

    Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao are represented by the same managementCredit: Getty

    The Irishman, who boxed Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, has already had his chances of beating the 43-year-old Pacman written off.
    But Holyfield insists the former two-division UFC champ is capable of causing a stunning an upset, telling SunSport: “Well, he’s got longer arms. So he has reach advantage.
    “So he has to keep Pacquiao to the side and throw the punches straight, which is going to be difficult. You’re talking about fighting somebody who has been doing boxing their whole life.
    “McGregor’s strength is grabbing people and turning people and flipping people, where he had more things to think about.”

    Despite believing McGregor can beat Pacquiao, Holyfield, 58, admits The Notorious faces an uphill task to get the better of the former eight-weight world champion.

    He added: “When you to boxing where you’re boxing and using your hands only and not kicking, it is going to be difficult for someone like McGregor.
    “It makes it even more difficult because, as I said, Pacquiao has been doing it all his life and his hand routine is perfect.

    “And regardless anybody gets into a fight with him the only person who’s going to have a better chance to beat him is somebody younger doing the same thing he does, which is boxing.
    “But if you are the same age there’s not much difference because then you’re going to get whooped.
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    “However, anybody who gets in the ring has some chance, I believe. You ain’t getting in the ring if you think you ain’t got a chance. And McGregor has some skills too.
    “He has that heart to fight, heart of a fighter. He can fight so ain’t nobody just going to beat him up in no kind of way. Just like the boxers, he has the mentality of a fighter.
    “Manny, even if he went into a MMA fight he would get kicked but he will get some punches in there and fight, he may get tore up in the end but he is a fighter who is able to do something because of the mentality andhow we fighters think. So, McGregor has a chance.”
    Should McGregor land a mega-money fight with the pride of the Philippines, Holyfield would happily prepare the Dubliner for the bout.

    The Real Deal said: “If I was asked then I would go out to him and say to him, ‘You know what, do this thing.’
    “The thing is that I’m not a ‘coach’. I can give him good advice, but I’d have someone else hold the hand pads – I don’t know how to hold hand pads! – I came up hitting hands pads.
    “So, it’s like Mayweather, he doesn’t know how to hold hand pads like coaches do. But he was a good fighter.
    “There are a lot of things fighters don’t do real well if they were to coach. Because they were great fighters, so it’s kind of different. But it’s easy to give directions and advice, but show someone how to do something is different.”
    McGregor is currently gearing up for his UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier, whom he’ll rematch a week on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
    WBA welterweight champion Pacquiao, meanwhile, currently doesn’t have a fight booked but intends to make two outings this year.

    Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor fighting ‘one of the greatest boxers of all time’ Manny Pacquiao is ‘bonkers’ More

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    Evander Holyfield says he’d coach Conor McGregor for blockbuster Manny Pacquiao boxing match

    EVANDER HOLYFIELD has revealed he would happily coach UFC superstar Conor McGregor for a blockbuster fight with Manny Pacquiao.
    The UFC’s poster boy revealed last September that a multi-million-pound showdown with the eight-weight world champion was in the works.

    Conor McGregor teased a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao last SeptemberCredit: Getty

    Manny Pacquiao is represented by the same management company as the UFC’s poster boyCredit: AP

    McGregor, 32, entered the boxing world in 2017 to take part in a much-maligned fight with Floyd Mayweather, which he lost via tenth-round TKO.
    And for heavyweight champ Holyfield is open to helping the Irishman prepare for Pacman, telling SunSport: “If I was asked then I would go out to him and say to him, ‘You know what, do this thing.’
    “The thing is that I’m not a ‘coach’. I can give him good advice, but I’d have someone else hold the hand pads – I don’t know how to hold hand pads! – I came up hitting hands pads.
    “So, it’s like Mayweather, he doesn’t know how to hold hand pads like coaches do. But he was a good fighter.

    “There are a lot of things fighters don’t do real well if they were to coach. Because they were great fighters, so it’s kind of different. But it’s easy to give directions and advice, but show someone how to do something is different.”
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    Although Holyfield has a vast amount of knowledge to share with The Notorious, he admits bestowing it all would also have its downsides.
    He added: “The thing is I know boxing, but I realise the more you tell a person what to do it’s going to make him slow because a guy can get confused while in a fight with too much information – in boxing it’s all about reaction, pa pa pa, pa, you don’t get a chance to consciously think for two seconds where you think to yourself, ‘OK, I got to do this. I can keep the feet like that.’

    “Every time you come into a certain distance it’s an instant reaction you have to get your punches out.
    “This is what you have to do. So, what I’m talking about is the person with the advantage – Manny against McGregor – is always the guy who’s been doing it longer.”
    Should the fight come to fruition, Holyfield reckons Pacquiao, 42, would have a lot less to worry about than the UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion.

    Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Evander Holyfield would happily coach Conor McGregor for a fight with Manny PacquiaoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Real Deal said: “Pacquiao won’t have to think much as it’s going to be a boxing match compared to Conor McGregor.
    “The fact of the matter is you’ve got to ask yourself, ‘What was Mayweather’s purpose?’ His purpose was to win, and he won.
    “He realised he could’ve put pressure on in such a fierce pace on Conor McGregor and could have made him give up earlier.
    “There are a lot of things to factor in. You’ve got to have a plan on what you want to do.

    “And how to make this thing interesting, you know, it’s entertaining. Entertaining to the people is the idea. So, what is entertaining?
    “So if you go out there and if you have the ability to knock out the guy in 30 seconds, or people get chance to see a great entertaining fight with the two.
    “They could knock each other out – they are very tough guys, so either way it’s about the performance itself.
    “Everybody knows that Pacquiao is a good fighter, and everybody knows if Mayweather was good then Pacquiao is as good.
    “He’s as good as Mayweather I believe. It’s pretty much just like a person has a certain gift, your gift is writing, or someone’s gift is speaking, and someone who tries to compete with you the other person is going to find it quite difficult .
    “What is the gift that God gave you? This is the question. It’s something that you’ve known whole your life.”
    McGregor, 32, is currently preparing for his UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier, which takes place a week on Saturday on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
    Pacquiao, meanwhile, currently doesn’t have a fight booked but intends to compete twice this year

    Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor fighting ‘one of the greatest boxers of all time’ Manny Pacquiao is ‘bonkers’ More