Conor McGregor boxing licence: Paulie Malignaggi CALLS OUT UFC star before Floyd Mayweather bout
FRESH after securing a boxing license, Conor McGregor has been called out - by former world champ Paulie Malignaggi.
The UFC fighter has been granted a licence to box by the California State Commission, as fans dream of a mouthwatering clash against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.
But Malignaggi, himself a former two-weight world champion, has challenged McGregor to "test the water" in boxing with him.
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Writing on Twitter, Malignaggi, who has recently been working as a Sky Sports commentator, said: "If the Floyd talk is serious you gotta test the waters against a decently recognisable [and] respectable name right? My team's phone will be on."
McGregor became the first man to simultaneously hold Ultimate Fighting Championship titles in two weight divisions when he beat Eddie Alvarez in New York on November 12.
A powerful puncher, McGregor has previously toyed with the idea of moving from the UFC octagon to the traditional boxing ring – even floating the idea of taking on undefeated and now-retired Mayweather.
Mayweather has a 49-0 winning record – the joint best in boxing history – while McGregor has risen to be the most lucrative cage fighter on the planet.
But Malignaggi, who was stopped by British boxer Amir Khan in the 11th round of their fight back in 2010, has now thrown his hat into the ring.
The Brooklyn boxer has a fight record of 36 wins and seven defeats. He turned professional back in 2001 and won his first world title, the IBF lightweight belt with a unanimous decision against Lovemore NDou in 2007.
His last fight was in July this year when he defeated Gabriel Bracero on points.