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George Foreman makes shocking claim that Conor McGregor can beat Manny Pacquiao in boxing

FILE PHOTO: Former two-time world heavyweight champion George Foreman. (Photo: AFP News)
FILE PHOTO: Former two-time world heavyweight champion George Foreman. (Photo: AFP News)

Boxing legend George Foreman believes mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor has got what it takes to beat Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao in boxing.

Foreman told British newspaper The Daily Star that McGregor is better in boxing than in MMA, and wants to see him compete in the squared circle.

“It’s hard for McGregor to accept it but he’s a better puncher than he is in MMA. I’d rather see him in boxing matches now,” Foreman said.

Foreman not only believes McGregor can be successful in boxing but also thinks that the Irishman has the skills to defeat the Filipino legend.

“I think if he has a fight with Pacquiao he can actually beat him – good rules, over ten rounds, McGregor can beat him. He’s already adjusted to boxing, he’s not going to do good in MMA anymore. Pacquiao is very good as a matter of fact, but McGregor can beat him in a boxing match,” Foreman said.

Plans for Pacquiao and McGregor squaring off may be on hold for now after UFC president Dana White says the Dubliner is eyeing a trilogy with Dustin Poirier.

FILE PHOTO: Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
FILE PHOTO: Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

“They both want it. So when you’ve got two guys who want the trilogy as bad as those two do, we try to make it happen. It’ll happen this summer,” White said.

Poirier brutalized McGregor at UFC 257 last month, winning their rematch with a second round technical knockout.

Prior to the fight, McGregor said that his bout with Poirier is a tune-up for a possible boxing match with Pacquiao.

Rumors of a potential fight between Pacquiao and McGregor swirled when the Filipino, in February 2020, signed with the management company that also handles the Irishman.

McGregor's record in boxing is 0-1, a tenth round knockout loss in his professional debut in 2017 against pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather.

FILE PHOTO:  Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO: Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

42-year-old Pacquiao is an eight-division champion. He hasn't fought since capturing the WBA welterweight title from Keith Turman with a twelve round split decision in July 2019. He was stripped of the belt recently due to inactivity.

Pacquiao's next boxing fight could be his last as speculations are rife that he is running for president in the Philippine general election next year.

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