Conor McGregor will ‘definitely’ fight Manny Pacquiao in 2021, claims UFC star’s manager

'This is a fight that we're definitely going to make because both fighters want it’

Conor McGregor will return to boxing in 2021 and fight Manny Pacquiao, according to the UFC star's manager, Audie Attar.

McGregor is currently preparing for a rematch with Dustin Poirier, which is set to headline UFC 257 on 23 January, having once again returned from retirement.

Talks have taken place between McGregor and Pacquiao's representatives through this year, with the fight expected to take place in the Middle East in 2021.

“Conor has a fight on 23 January against Dustin Poirier,” Attar told Bloomberg. "He's gonna be handling business against Dustin first, but Conor's come out and said he wants to fight Manny. Manny's come out and said he wants to fight Conor. As I've stated publicly before, we've had conversations.

"That is a fight that we're definitely going to make because both fighters want it, and there seems to be interest from the fans all around the world."

Conor McGregor returned to the Octagon against Donald Cerrone (Getty)

McGregor crossed over to boxing in 2017 when he was defeated by Floyd Mayweather Jr in a lucrative exhibition, which is said to have earned him around £100m.

However, a fight with Pacquiao, who is currently a Senator of the Phillippinnes, is likely to feature a charity aspect.

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"For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year," a statement read. “The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic."