Paulie Malignaggi was originally brought into the McGregor camp as a sparring partner ahead of the Mayweather billion dollar bout.

What transpired led to Malignaggi leaving the McGregor training camp and reacted furiously to footage which had been released on social media. 

The video appeared to show McGregor knocking the American boxer to the canvas during a sparring session, although Malignaggi insists he was pushed to the ground.

Subsequently, the 36-year-old walked out of the training camp but his feud with the McGregor has continued to grow in stature.

Tony Bellew has predicted that their rivalry means that whatever happens during on Saturday; the UFC lightweight champion will remain in boxing.

And suggests his next opponent will be none other than Paulie Malignaggi.

Speaking to The Mirror Bellew explained: "I think he's going to fight Paulie Malignaggi on St Patrick's Day in New York, I think that's set in stone.

"He cannot generate the money he's going to get in boxing through the UFC so I think we'll see Conor McGregor in boxing more than the UFC.

"He's facing the greatest fighter of our era so it doesn't matter [if he doesn't prove himself].
"People are not tuning into this fight to see a great fight.

"Anyone who knows anything about combat sports understands this cannot be a great fight.

"You've tuned in to see an event. If you'd made this £250 to watch, or £2500, I would have paid it."

"It's entertaining, it doesn't matter where you're from, everybody wants to see what's going to happen."