Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao move step closer to bout after surprise move

Talks Conor McGregor could return to the boxing ring to fight Manny Pacquiao haven gathered steam after the Filipino signed with the same agency as the Irishman.

Pacquiao signed with Paradigm Sports Management, which includes names such as McGregor, Israel Adesanya and Cris Cyborg.

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“We’re very excited to announce that Manny Pacquiao has signed with PSM for full service representation!” the tweet announced.

“Manny is one of the greatest boxers of all time & we look forward to working with Arnold, Ping and the rest of the team back in Manila to maximize his historic career.”

The move has intensified talks McGregor could be set for a return to boxing after his foray against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, which resulted in a 10th round TKO loss.

“I always want bigger and better and to reach for the stars”, McGregor said in the past after his bout with Mayweather.

“I would love a rematch with Floyd Mayweather and I know the Manny one is there whenever I want it.

“I would be honoured and love to be the first combatant to fight in that arena and what a fight that would be against a small and powerful southpaw.”

Pacquiao, 41, is on a three-fight win streak after losing to Australia’s Jeff Horn.

McGregor recently made his return to MMA after defeating Donald Cerrone in early February.