Jan 23, 2021; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Conor McGregor of Ireland punches Dustin Poirier in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports
MANILA, Philippines—Boxing legend George Foreman believes Conor McGregor is a better fit now in boxing than in mixed martial arts, saying the UFC superstar can also beat one of the sport’s all-time best.
Talking to Daily Star, Foreman gave McGregor a viable shot in the Sweet Science and he even sees the Irishman defeating eight-division World champion Manny Pacquiao.
“It’s hard for McGregor to accept it but he’s a better puncher than he is in MMA,” said Foreman. “I’d rather see him in boxing matches now. I think if he has a fight with Pacquiao he can actually beat him—good rules, over 10 rounds, McGregor can beat him.”
McGregor, who once held the UFC featherweight and lightweight titles simultaneously, has just one boxing fight in his resume and it resulted in a 10th round technical knockout loss to Pacquiao rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.
Interestingly, McGregor had the better punching stats than Pacquiao when the Filipino icon fought Mayweather in 2015.
McGregor landed 111 total punches against Mayweather, who’s arguably the greatest defensive fighter of all time, while Pacquiao touched Pretty Boy just 81 times.
Foreman, a two-time heavyweight champion, said McGregor has already acclimated himself to boxing and would be better if he transitions to the ring from the Octagon.
“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,” said Foreman.
McGregor’s last MMA bout was a knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in January while Pacquiao last fought in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman for the WBA (Super) World welterweight title.