WHICH BOXERS WOULD FIGHT CONOR MCGREGOR IN MMA?

Which Boxers Would Fight Conor McGregor in MMA?

Everybody wants a piece of Conor McGregor. And unsurprisingly so: The Notorious one is UFC’s star attraction and was involved in one of the highest grossing fights of all time when he was knocked out by Floyd Mayweather in the tenth round on his boxing debut in August.

The likes of Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tyson Woodley are all desperate for an MMA fight with the 29-year-old Irishman. But a host of boxers –  many of whom have their best years behind them – are also eager for a big payday by luring McGregor into the ring for another boxing bout.

Potential Boxing Opponents for McGregor

Paulie Malignaggi has been relentlessly pursuing a boxing match with McGregor since they sparred together in the build-up to the Mayweather fight, with the infamous push/knockdown debate riling boxing and MMA fans alike. Malignaggi could be an interesting opponent for McGregor, especially if he’s keen on forging a serious career in boxing, with the 36-year-old former WBA titleholder – who has a 36-8 record – certainly a beatable opponent.

Source: Paul Malignaggi via Facebook

Another famous boxing name linked to a fight in recent weeks is none other than Oscar De La Hoya – who recently claimed he would knock out McGregor inside two rounds. The Mexican is a huge name in the sport, but at 44 years old, and having not fought since being dismantled by Manny Pacquiao way back in 2008, could he really compete with a top fighter in his prime? Online bookmakers, Paddy Power, certainly think so, offering boxing betting odds of 10/11 on De La Hoya beating McGregor in a boxing match.

But how many of the boxers calling him out would be brave enough to switch disciplines – just as McGregor did for Mayweather – and take on Conor in the Octagon? Well, not many.

Who might step into the Octagon?

One man that might be willing to make the switch is former WBA light-welterweight champion, Amir Khan. But what would draw the 30-year-old Brit, who has a 31-4 professional boxing record, into the Octagon?

Well, he is already involved in the world of MMA – at least from a business perspective – after Khan created India’s first team-based MMA league in 2016. So, what better way could Khan get his own promotion in the spotlight than by taking on MMA’s biggest star?

Source: Amir Khan via Facebook

Khan has also previously said, “I just love all the grappling and everything that happens in cage fighting and the technique and everything… If I work a little bit on my grappling, you never know. I might go in the cage next.”

Also, with regards to a potential fight with McGregor, Khan admitted, “‘In boxing I think I beat him quite easily in boxing, but in MMA I think it might be tough but you just don’t know.” Incidentally, Khan knocked out none other than Paulie Malignaggi way back in 2010.

The trouble is, would there be enough interest in the fight – especially with so many other eager opponents? A boxing match-up between Khan and McGregor could well prove a fascinating one – but surely McGregor would wipe the floor with Khan in the Octagon. Maybe one day we’ll find out for sure.

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