Filipino fans want fighting senator Manny Pacquiao to face Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar Conor McGregor before retiring from his checkered professional boxing career.
Pacquiao’s Special Assistant Jayke Joson said that in an informal survey, nine out of 10 Filipinos want the 41-year-old future Boxing Hall of Famer to close out his illustrious 25-year pro boxing career on a high note by fighting McGregor, most likely next year or after the pandemic.
“I have talked to nine out of 10 Filipinos and they really like UFC star Conor McGregor as the senator’s last opponent before he leaves professional boxing for good,” said Joson, adding that Pacquiao’s friends and family also want him to have only one fight, probably by next year.
But Joson said the decision will solely depend on the senator when he will hang up his gloves for good.
"I think we will know about Sen. Pacquiao's plans in boxing as soon as the COVID-19 virus crisis is over. For the senator, this is not the time for a boxing fight. But now is the time for all Fililipinos to unite in fighting and knocking out the coronavirus crisis in the Philippines," said Joson.
“It’s really up to the senator when he will retire from boxing. But many Filipinos want our senator to take on McGregor because that will be a great fight,” added Joson.
Pacquiao (62-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts) has captured eight weight world division titles in his career that started in 1995.
Joson added that the General Santos City native has not talked to them about running for the Philippine presidency, since he is busy helping the Filipinos in their fight against COVID-19.
“Senator MP often tells us that becoming a president is no joke. It (Presidency) is a God given position whether you like it or not. If God makes you a president, there’s nothing you can do but do your job properly for the nation. If you are not the chosen one, it will not happen,” he said.
“He (Pacquiao) is leaving everything to God,” Joson ended.
