CONOR McGREGOR confirmed he will return to his “first love” of boxing again – but has business in the UFC to deal with first.
The Irishman, an amateur boxer in his teens, crossed over to the ring in 2017 but lost his professional debut to Floyd Mayweather, 45.
Conor McGregor says he will box in the future again
McGregor has since continued to hint at another boxing cameo but remains fighting to keep his UFC career on track.
The former two-weight UFC champion has his eyes on a comeback to the octagon next, but has not ruled out a future ring return.
McGregor, 33, told Sky Sports before the Monaco GP: “Boxing is my first love in combat sports.
“It’s boxing. I had such a great time the last time I was out there.
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“Obviously, my return will be inside the octagon for the UFC in mixed martial arts.
“That story is far from over. In fact, that story is just being wrote. It’s just beginning. That’s where I’ll make my return.
“But boxing, I will grace the squared circle again in the future.”
McGregor was linked with a boxing bout against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao, 43, in 2021.
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But the idea was scrapped after he was beaten by Dustin Poirier – the man he knocked out in 2014 – in their rematch in Abu Dhabi.
It set up a trilogy bout which McGregor lost in disastrous fashion after breaking his leg against Poirier, 33, second before round one ended.
The Dubliner has since been recovering after successful surgery last summer and continues to train for a return fight.
McGregor said: “My body is doing good. After (this), we’re going to up the training bit by bit. I should be able to kick now.
“I have another CT scan in the coming days. Then I’ll be cleared to kick. Once I can kick and grapple, I’ll be back in no time.
“Boxing training is going well, and strength training. That’s all. I’m excited to get back.”
