Manny Pacquiao is most likely to be stripped of his WBA welterweight belt if he fights UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year in Dubai.
Here is why:
The eight-division champ claimed the belt after defeating Keith Thurman in June 2019.
Usually, the boxing body will put a mandatory title defense for Pacquiao within six months. However, it did not happen due to the pandemic coronavirus disease.
It means that he should fight in the first quarter of 2021. If not, the WBA will take away his title and be vacated.
Pacquiao camp has yet to respond to this possibility. The talks for their fight started already last year; however, it only made progress recently. With both fighters under the same management, the fight has become a bit closer to reality.
Still, the dilemma remains. Will Pacquiao choose the McGregor fight to help his fellow Filipinos who are currently suffering? Or will he fight the challenger to be put by the WBA?
Even McGregor is on the same weight as Pacquiao; he can’t fight Pacquiao for the WBA welterweight belt because he is unranked. He only has one fight and one loss, which was against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
A tough decision is on the line for the only eight-division world champion. What will the decision be?
