Retired boxing champion turned pundit Paulie Malignaggi has suggested a potential bout with UFC star Conor McGregor could tempt him out of retirement due to the fact he wouldn't even have to train ahead of the fight.

Hanging up his gloves less than a year ago after a stoppage loss inside London's O2 Arena at the hands of Brit Sam Eggington, the 37-year-old still believes he's in good enough shape to take on and defeat the Irishman whom he helped to prepare for a blockbuster showdown with boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather soon after.

Things turned sour between the pair when against their contract, the Notorious' camp posted footage online of McGregor sparring and "flooring" the former two-weight world champion.

Although the evidence was dubious, it was enough for Malignaggi to depart on bad terms and a war of words began which has never been resolved.

Rumours soon surfaced for a potential grudge fight between the two, which has never been fully swept under the carpet, and things again resurfaced this week after The Magic Man was quizzed by World Boxing News on a future clash.

"I don't know, maybe, but I wouldn't even have to train for it," Malignaggi said confidently.

"I'd have to train to make weight, but I wouldn't have to train for a fight like that. I guess you never say never..."

After a world engrossing fight between the UFC star and five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather, which pocketed both men over $100million a piece, it would be nigh on impossible to turn down what Malignaggi considers "free money".  

But, it's the Pretty Boy who the American fighter believes is the only man who would tempt McGregor to step between the ropes again.

"I mean Mayweather is probably the only one who could get him back in a boxing ring. Like I said, Floyd barely trained that much himself for that."

McGregor has yet to confirm his return to either the ring or the Octagon, however, the Irishman has never been out of the spotlight or out of shape.

Could this be the next step and a long awaited return, or is Malignaggi and his glittering career qualities still a step too far?

Only time will tell.