Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao: Early Prediction

Published 10/13/2020, 11:20 AM EDT

If things keep falling in place, we might witness the much-anticipated action between former UFC double champion Conor McGregor and former octuple world champion Manny Pacquiao somewhere down the line.

Pacquiao has officially signed with Paradigm Sports, the same management that shelters McGregor. That said, the former also teased big news, and fans speculate it to be the fight against McGregor.

As per reports, the pair will face each other in the Middle East, and the event will also carry some charitable purpose. However, the intensity will still be the most intriguing part of that night. Apart from being two of the biggest superstars, Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao are two of the most skilled athletes in combat sports.

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Although Pacquiao is the favorite in boxing, one cannot write-off the Irishman’s chances against him. Going 10 rounds with Floyd Mayweather in 2017, McGregor understands professional boxing even better now. Thus, he can outline a different picture against Pacquiao when the bell rings.

Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao: How do they match up?

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‘The Notorious’ against the ‘Pac-Man’ will be a battle between two elite southpaws. Both men will have their share of chances and tools to outpoint each other.

However, it won’t be that simple. Manny Pacquiao can comfortably go for all 12 rounds, and McGregor cannot afford to gas out in the later rounds. In his boxing debut against Mayweather, the UFC star looked confident throughout the primary rounds.

Nevertheless, as the fight progressed, Mayweather got a hold of the fight. When McGregor was totally out of energy, Mayweather put a one-sided beat down and stopped him in round 10. Pacquiao can use Mayweather’s game plan by taking it to the distance. Pacquiao’s super-speed and clean footwork will also create a difference in the game.

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Meanwhile, McGregor performs at his best and constantly puts pressure on his opponents in the first few rounds. Thus, if he can time a left-hook perfectly, there’s no way ‘Pac-Man’ is getting up. Yet ‘The Notorious’ should also prepare himself for the later rounds if he wants to secure a win. Conor’s KO power in boxing gloves is also a huge question.

Prediction: Manny Pacquiao beats Conor McGregor via unanimous decision

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A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.

Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao: Early Prediction

Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao: How do they match up?

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