Videos Live Scores Podcasts Opinion Interviews Business of Sport Inside Story Football Cricket Tennis Formula One Golf NBA UFC UAE Racquet Sports Fitness

Paulie Malignaggi and Amir Khan among potential next boxing opponents for Conor McGregor

Declan Warrington

12:43 27/08/2017

Conor McGregor stepped into a boxing ring for the first time as a professional fighter against Floyd Mayweather, but it may not be the last.

The Irishman said that “anyone who wants a knock, give me a shout” in the wake of his 10th-round loss.

He may chose to return to UFC but, should he stay in the ring rather than go back to the octagon, who could he take on?

Here, we look at five possible opponents:

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

The retired American sparred with McGregor but things quickly turned sour as he left the camp amid denied claims he had been knocked down. Malignaggi retired this year after time caught up with him, but could he face McGregor on St Patrick’s Day in New York, as has been mooted?

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

Surely not? Mayweather said he was retired “for sure” after beating McGregor but, Mayweather also loves money. This fight has reportedly earned him $100million – would he be able to resist 200 million? His perfect 50-0 record should keep him out of the gym.

AMIR KHAN

Ahead of the fight, Khan said “boxing will be over” if McGregor won. He also said, in the event of a McGregor victory, “I’d even go to Ireland and fight him there”. McGregor lost, but will Khan still fancy it?

KELL BROOK

Brook, like Khan, has wanted the biggest names in the welterweight division. Like Khan, he never faced Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. He stepped up to face Gennady Golovkin at middleweight and lost, bravely, before doing so to Errol Spence back at welter. He is at a career crossroads, but would he fancy McGregor?

LIAM SMITH

One of the four Smith brothers, all professionals, Liam Smith was the WBO light-middleweight champion in 2015 and 2016. He will have a rematch with fellow Brit Liam Williams in Newcastle in October, having beaten him earlier in the year when Williams – ahead of the cards – suffered an eye injury. If he loses the rematch, could he look at Conor?

Provided by Press Association Sport

More from boxing

ONE Friday Fights 59: French-Algerian looks to maintain KO momentum in headliner

New ONE Championship king Alexis Nicolas ready to fight ‘the world’

French-Algerian Alexis Nicolas reflects on becoming ONE Championship world champ

Tickets on sale for Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships to be held at Mubadala Arena

ONE Fight Night 21: Grappling twins facing a big night in Bangkok

ONE Fight Night 21: Two-sport champion Regian Eersel could face toughest challenge to date

Most Popular