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UFC champion Conor McGregor has moved closer to a possible fight with five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather after securing a boxing licence.
The Irish fighter became the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first dual division champion in November.
McGregor, (28), has said he wants $100m to meet Mayweather, who has previously played down the prospects of a fight.
The licence has been granted by the California State Athletic Commission, allowing him to box in the US state.
McGregor’s trainer John Kavanagh has said he would “put a few quid on [a Mayweather fight] next year”.
He added: “Is it getting any close? I don’t know, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me that it’s going to happen.”
Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, told ESPN the fight could not take place as McGregor is under contract to the UFC.
“He got a boxing licence. Congratulations to him,” said Ellerbe.
“Conor McGregor can say anything he wants to but he has a boss and his name is [UFC president] Dana White.”
McGregor beat Eddie Alvarez last month to win to win the lightweight championship, to add his featherweight title, though he has since relinquished that belt.
After the Alvarez victory, he demanded a stake in the ownership of UFC.
—BBC Sport
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter