Pacquiao seeks McGregor payday

MANNY PACQUIAO wants to fight UFC star Conor McGregor next year. The eight-weight world champion has revealed he has spoken to the Irishman about a lucrative clash. Asked if he has approached McGregor, Pacquiao said: “Initially. But we have not yet had any follow-up conversations. If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. of us.”

Last month, Pacquiao appeared to tease McGregor by posting a message to him on Twitter and Instagram, saying: “Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend.”

McGregor was outclassed in the boxing ring by Floyd It is OK with both Mayweather Jnr in August before being stopped in the 10th round. But the MMA fighter pocketed about £70million from the bout, while Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao in 2015, earned more than £200m.

Now Pacquiao wants to cash in, having not fought since losing his WBO welterweight crown to Australian Jeff Horn in July.

If the McGregor fights does not happen, Pacquiao could push for a rematch with Horn or fight 29-year-old American Keith Thurman, the WBA Super welterweight title-holder and WBC welterweight champion.

JAMES DEGALE returns to the ring tonight in East London after 11 months out with a shoulder injury against American Caleb Truax.

It is IBF super-middleweight champion DeGale’s first fight in Britain since 2014.