Can Pacquiao flatten McGregor?

Conor McGregor. AP

There was a jolt after Sen. Manny Pacquiao advised the doubted Irish UFC star Conor McGregor to “stay fit, my friend,” the call thereby causing a howl.

Many fans thought it was all a joke.

But the venerable Nacho Beristain, celebrated maker of numerous Mexican world champions, cried Pacquiao has made a mockery of boxing.

“El Maestro” thought it was totally unbecoming of a government official of Pacquiao’s stature.

“Boxing is more serious than people think. I think it’s the need to make money, but money is not everything in life,” Beristain explained.

Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said he doubts if McGregor will fight again. White said the Irish fighter has earned enough money for many lifetimes.

Actually, Pacquiao called out McGregor after Oscar De La Hoya taunted the Irish star by bragging he should be able to take him out in two rounds.

There has been no reaction from McGregor, last reported to have figured in an ugly brawl in an Irish bar.

Yesterday, veteran promoter Bob Arum joined Beristain in saying that ludicrous efforts to draw out McGregor are being made in the name of easy money.

“McGregor can’t spell fight,” Arum remarked. “This is pure and simple a money grab.”

The veteran matchmaker, who turns 86 next week, said Pacquiao has not talked to him about McGregor, or any other fight plans for that matter.

Anyway, there are those who believe Pacquiao could think of a more practical ploy, like marketing McGregor as his would-be first knockout victim since 2009.

There was also another suggestion to make the crossover bout more interesting and competitive by doing away with the thick boxing gloves, and instead stick to the thin strap allowed in mixed-martial arts combat.

Everybody has been waiting for Sen. Pacquiao to make a follow-up shot.