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Manny Pacquiao set to be stripped of world title if he fights Conor McGregor

Manny Pacquiao will donate the majority of his earnings to help fight Covid-19 in the Philippines should his fight with Conor McGregor come into fruition.

Manny Pacquiao faces being stripped of his WBA welterweight title if he decides to fight UFC star Conor McGregor.

The Filipino icon, who last fought in 2019 - ending Keith Thurman's undefeated record, is expected to take on McGregor next with an estimated $100 million purse on offer.

Should he accept the challenge of McGregor, World Boxing News reports that he will "almost certainly be relieved" of the title.

"The World Boxing Association would have given Pacquiao a grace period due to the coronavirus stopping so many fights. But they will want movement in the next six months or so," WBN claimed. 

"At present, Yordinis Ugas is the 'regular' champion. The Cuban will want his shot at the full version to be recognised entirely as the real belt holder. As a result, Pacquiao will have to face Ugas in 2021. If he doesn't, the WBA will be forced to act and promote Ugas to full title-holder.
"Pacquiao won't be able to defend his strap against McGregor as the UFC star is 0-1 in a boxing ring. He's also unranked. McGregor would have to fight somebody else first. Possibly pick up a fringe WBA title in order to be rated.
"The WBA would then have to agree to a request for Pacquiao to put it on the line in an exhibition charity bout."

McGregor then Mayweather rematch?

Much has been made over the proposed bout between Pacquiao and McGregor. The pair, who have the same management company, have both confirmed their interest in delivering the crossover fight to fans, despite a negative reaction from the combat fraternity.

The Freddie Roach-fighter has been linked with a rematch with Floyd Mayweather so should he face and beat "The Notorious", will boxing's only eight-division world champion force Mayweather out of retirement for a rematch bout?

A blunt answer is no.

Before the global pandemic, Mayweather was keen on facing Pacquiao for one last payday but since experiencing tragedy in his personal life with the passing of his ex-partner Josie Harris and uncle Roger Mayweather, Floyd has had a change of heart and looks intent on becoming a full time trainer.

Mayweather, who promotes Gervonta "Tank" Davis, is currently working with Devin Haney and has admitted he has aspirations of training former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

However, money talks and should "Money" Mayweather be offered a purse of somewhere around $150 million then he may get his head swayed.
For now, Pacquiao's proposed bout with McGregor would not entice Mayweather to get out of his silk pyjamas but in a year which gets stranger by the minute, you can't rule anything out.

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