Manny Pacquiao has signed with Paradigm Sports Management, the company announced on Tuesday.
In its announcement, the agency said he signed because he is looking to “solidify the final years of his boxing legacy.”
According to the announcement, Pacquiao, a reigning welterweight world titleholder, the only fighter to win world titles in eight weight classes and a sitting senator in the Philippines, and his existing team will partner with Paradigm.
“I am proud to partner with Paradigm Sports Management and am excited for the opportunities that (Paradigm president and CEO) Audie Attar and PSM have to offer,” Pacquiao said in a statement. “One thing I want everyone to remember is to always think positively. Never think negatively; that is the beginning of your downfall. Everything is possible.”
The signing adds Pacquiao to a company that also manages UFC superstar Conor McGregor. There has been ample talk from both sides about a possible Pacquiao-McGregor crossover boxing match. McGregor moved over to the boxing ring in 2017 and lost by knockout to Floyd Mayweather in the second highest-grossing combat sports event of all time, behind only Mayweather’s decision win over Pacquiao in their long-awaited 2015 showdown to unify welterweight world titles.
Shortly after Paradigm’s announcement, McGregor tweeted, “Welcome to the team Emmanuel,” referring to Pacquiao’s full first name.
Welcome to the team Emmanuel. https://t.co/VnFsahczo5
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 11, 2020
“I’m honored to have the opportunity not only to maximize Manny’s boxing career but to help him continue to leave a legacy he is proud of through the lens of business and sport,” Attar said in a statement. “My approach is to focus on each client and their goals always, and I look forward to fighting on his behalf.”
Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), 41, has had his last two fights with Premier Boxing Champions after signing with adviser Al Haymon. He easily outpointed Adrien Broner in January 2019 to retain a secondary welterweight belt and then outpointed Keith Thurman in July to take his “super” title in one of the best performances of his career. Whether Haymon and PBC will remain involved in Pacquiao’s career is unclear.
Sean Gibbons, CEO of Pacquiao’s MP Promotions and one of his closest advisers, could not be reached for comment.