Conor McGregor of Ireland celebrates his KO victory over Eddie Alvarez of the United States in their lightweight championship bout during the UFC 205 event at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images )
Conor McGregor is the first two-division champion in the history of the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship. In the latest turn of events, he is now allowed to fight in a boxing ring in California, which refuels the rumors that a boxing match may happen between him and retired boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Top Rank CEO and veteran boxing promotor Bob Arum told USA Today over the phone that he has the utmost respect for the young fighter, saying, "The kid is very, very smart. He knows what he is doing and he is trying to the change the game."
The Irish mixed martial artist was granted by the California State Athletic Commission permission to box in the state. This was after completing a four-page application form and paying the $60 fee. The boxing license acquisition also revived the rumors that McGregor has started the preparation so he could fight Mayweather.
However, many boxing observers believe that the license is just a marketing ploy by McGregor's camp and is a good one. They only need to shell out a very small token fee for a possible huge return in terms of advertising fees for anything related to the sport. Many also think that he will not even box in the ring.
Boxing experts also believe that the Irish champ's plan of fighting Mayweather will never happen. He is under contract to the UFC and the company will not allow such a thing to happen. If in case he is allowed, then McGregor needs to make his way up the ladder, similar to the 2,186 registered welterweights all around the world, said a report on BBC Sport.
Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, had already seen the martial artist box and was reportedly not impressed. Ellerbe said McGregor has a terrible footwork, lifts his chin up when he lets a punch loose, turns his head when he receives one, along with other reasons.
In the meantime, UFC fans can expect McGregor to be back in the octagon in the second half of 2017. He said that he wants to take some time off to prepare for the birth of his first child.
