By Edward Chaykovsky
As previously reported, UFC superstar Conor McGregor is now a licensed boxer in the state of California. McGregor's application to obtain a license to box was approved by the California State Athletic Commission.
But he wasn't as lucky in the state of Nevada.
Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that McGregor’s representatives had also filed an application to obtain a boxing license in the state.
Bennett explained that there are numerous outstanding issue with McGregor, because he hasn't paid a $75,000 fine for the August bottle-throwing incident during a news conference at the MGM Grand with Nick Diaz. He must also produce an anti-bullying video for the commission with a production budget of $75,000. He is currently appealing the discipline and the case is headed to court.
Even if McGregor gets those issues in order, Bennett would have to watch McGregor in a sparring session - either on video or in person - before making a determination if he's qualified to receive a license to box.
“Mr. McGregor is an incredibly gifted fighter and athlete. He obviously knows what he’s doing as a fighter and I have the utmost respect for his abilities,” Bennett said. “But it is a different sport.”
The exact reasons for McGregor's push to get licensed to box is unknown. He is under an iron-clad contract with the UFC and it's almost a given that the organization will not allow him to compete as a boxer outside of their agreement.
