Ryan Garcia claims Manny Pacquiao fight is happening, but Conor McGregor insists he still wants boxing match against Filipino legend

Ryan Garcia has claimed that a fight between himself and Manny Pacquiao is going to happen.

On Sunday morning, it was reported that the 22-year-old lightweight star is in ‘preliminary discussions’ over a potential match-up against the Filipino legend who is now 42 years of age.

Not even a full day later, Garcia posted a fan-made fight poster on Instagram along with the following caption.

He said: "A dream turned reality. It’s an honour to share the ring with Manny Pacquiao.

"I will always respect what you did in and out the ring. Here’s to the best man winning."

As things stand, according to , talks are ongoing for the fight, though it's understood that nothing is signed and sealed as yet.

It's also reported that September is the target date with Los Angeles eyed as the venue, though offers from Saudi Arabia would be considered.

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Should Garcia vs Pacquiao come to fruition, it would be a sizeable blow to Conor McGregor.

The Irish UFC star was knocked out by Dustin Poirier on Saturday night, seemingly ending plans for a potential boxing match with Pacquiao.

At his post-fight press conference after the defeat, McGregor insisted he'd still be open to crossing over to boxing once again.

However, it looks as though Pacquiao is making other plans.

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Garcia told talkSPORT Fight Night of his admiration for Pacquiao at the weekend.

“I’m trying to be a good example as a champion to this younger generation," he explained.

“I think that’s been missing a long time, other than Manny Pacquiao as a great example.

“Once you get to the top, people like to forget how they got there and they don’t share their stories and they don’t give glory to God.

“I will stay true to myself and try to be the best example I can be for the younger generation.”