‘He Can be Ranked Like Lomachenko’ – WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman Shows Conor McGregor the Path to a Title Shot

A year ago, UFC star Conor McGregor desired to win a boxing world title in his fighting career and hinted at making a move to the ‘sweet science’ once again. While many thought it bizarre to expect that, McGregor can actually opt for a boxing title shot. However, the Irish superstar will have to fill up some criteria to do so.

Being one of the most popular global athletes, boxing promoters would love to witness another McGregor show in the future. But the UFC star cannot jump over all the elites and ranked fighters to receive the title shot. Akin to all the other pugilists, he will have to overcome a ranked prodigy to secure a title shot.

WBC President Sulaiman connected with Behind the Gloves to talk about Conor McGregor’s boxing career and surprised a bunch of fans with his response.

Sulaiman said, “Well, I was asked by a reporter if he (Conor McGregor) would be ranked, if he could fight for a world title, and I simply gave the ratings criteria and the opinion regarding McGregor. McGregor is a mixed martial arts athlete. The WBC has a clear criteria for ratings.”

The WBC President further revealed how the organization operates and picks fighters from different sports. If anyone fulfills the criteria, WBC picks them to their roster and McGregor can do the same. While boxing has four different organizing bodies, WBC might open their doors for ‘The Notorious’.

Sulaiman continued, “We use Muay Thai, which is a national sport in the Thailand and when there’s some white thai fighters that turns into international boxing, professional boxing, we consider that a career and if he can defeat a ranked fighter, he can be ranked in the WBC.”

Like Vasyl Lomachenko, Like Conor McGregor

Sulaiman pointed out how former unified lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko transitioned himself into boxing. While Lomachenko remains as an all-time great, the WBC chief advised Conor McGregor to follow the same path.

“If he had a great extensive amateur career, and then comes into boxing and has special elements, then he can be ranked like Lomachenko. So, if McGregor comes and defeats a ranked fighter, of course, he can be ranked and he can be eligible to fight for a world title,” said Sulaiman.

Meanwhile, McGregor might face WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in a major crossover clash. The fight is still not official, and it’s unknown whether Pacquiao will put his title on the line. So, a potential McGregor return to boxing looks good at this stage, especially when he is also returning to the UFC against Dustin Poirier on January 23.

Do you think Conor McGregor can ever become a boxing world champion?