Pacquiao is open to returning to the ringCredit: AFP

UFC superstar McGregor is set to return to action against Michael Chandler on June 29, and previously named the Filipino as a targeted fight opponent before the end of 2024.

The boxing legend’s promoter, Sean Gibbons, has insisted he must have a date in the next nine months to ensure he steps back in the ring.

Gibbons told Boxing Scene: “It was always really a great dream for him and Conor McGregor, but Conor’s got so much UFC business or whatever.

“Manny’s got about nine months left because he’s going to run for office again, so he’s still actively looking for something

Pacquiao looked set to face his comeback fight next against Conor Benn, with the pair facing off in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

But ‘The Destroyer’s’ future is now up in the air, after the British Boxing Board of Control won their appeal on the lifting of his temporary suspension.

Gibbons added on the prospect of next facing Benn: “You know, that fight was more or less in place to happen and, unfortunately, he lost the appeal.

“We got bad luck. You saw the hype, the build-up, everybody was excited, all sides wanted to do it, but unfortunately losing the appeal cost the fight.

McGregor fought Mayweather in boxing in 2017 and is open to a returnCredit: Getty

“Conor Benn, they said he comes off suspension in September, there’s still an opportunity to do that. I always thought Kell Brook would have been fun.

“Conor Benn was the ideal fight because it would have been competitive.”

McGregor claimed in 2020 that the pair were previously close to making a showdown, following his boxing debut against Pacman’s rival Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

The fighters have feuded for several years since McGregor’s management company, Paradigm Sports, won a $5.1 million lawsuit against Pacquiao for breach of contract.

A showdown would likely have extra ammunition to get heated, and it would certainly sell given they are two of the most prominent names in combat sports.