AS always with Conor McGregor, you have to separate the shadow games from the truth, but that’s just the way he likes it.
The sports of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have gone into meltdown in the past 24 hours over McGregor’s declaration that he intends to make his comeback in 2018.
That’s where the truth stops and the shadow games begin.
The Irish megastar has sensationally started negotiations with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao over a proposed boxing fight in April next year.
Pacquiao has confirmed reports the pair are thrashing out plans for a fight for when the 39-year-old is able to take a recess from his Philippine Senate duties.
However, that reports comes as McGregor publicly declared through personal sponsor Betsafe that he intends to return to combat sports in 2018.
His statement of intent — likely deliberately — does not address which sport or promotion he intends to make his comeback in.
Once again, he’s found a way to make it all about him — and once again he’s found a way to create a scenario where he’s a gun for hire to whoever has the deepest pockets.
“My focus is getting back into the right ring or Octagon,” he told Betsafe.
“2017 was historic. I have transcended both the sport of MMA and boxing. At this stage of my career, as it has been for the majority of my UFC career, potential opponents must lobby for fights with me.
“We could see Conor McGregor anywhere. I run the fight game, the fashion game, the whiskey game, or whatever the next business endeavour might be.
“I have every intention of fighting in 2018 if my compensation and business development endeavours accurately reflect my influence on combat sports.”
McGregor’s declaration also included teases about a re-match with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather after their highly-anticipated boxing showdown in August.
McGregor even raised the possibility of Mayweather meeting him in the Octagon in an MMA fight, saying Mayweather was open to the proposal before they first met in the ring, according to Business Insider.
“What sickens me is that the little mother f***er is retired now,” he said.
“If I had another go with him, under boxing rules, I’d get that win.
“He had to change his whole approach. With those lessons I learned, with another go around, I’d get it.
“He’s 50-0 and getting on, I’m not calling him out. I’ll sit back. We’ll see how he gets on with this round of money. Maybe I’ll get another call? Originally, he was saying an MMA bout next. That’s what he said before the fight.
“He did say an MMA fight. So if he wants to, lets f****ing do it.
“I’d like to see him come over to our side and have a knock. I earned their respect and put myself out there. Style over to my side and earn our respect now.”
McGregor has reportedly been in talks with the UFC about a return to the Octagon and his threats to extend his leave from the fight promotion have been interpreted by some as another bargaining chip to put more pressure on UFC boss Dana White to bow to his demands.
Pacquiao, however, confirmed there is real interest in a showdown between him and McGregor for next year — and the fight could be just four months away.
“If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us,” Pacquiao said.
He also said McGregor is just one of several opponents he is considering meeting for a fight in April.
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