Following Conor McGregor's modest defeat to Floyd Mayweather earlier this year, there have been plenty of boxing fans hoping that isn't the last time we witness the Irishman in a squared-circle.

Although McGregor looks set to return to UFC and defend his Lightweight title against Tony Ferguson in the near future, it would be unwise to assume his professional boxing career is already over.

One name the 29-year-old has been regularly linked with fighting against is Paulie Malignaggi.

The American was brought into McGregor's training camp to help him prepare for the Mayweather clash but stormed out after just two sparring sessions.

Angry at the images being posted from sessions and how they were being misinterpreted, Malignaggi has been trying to get his revenge ever since.

He confirmed that initial talks had taken place regarding a potential grudge match last week but nothing formal is yet to be agreed.

However, McGregor's long-term training partner Artem Lobov doesn't think the duo will settle their differences in the ring.

Having witnessed the sparring sessions, Lobov - also known as The Russian Hammer - believes McGregor would only agree to face Malignaggi for a 'feel-good' fight for his own satisfaction.

"Paulie just got put back in his place and he got slapped around," Lobov told the Daily Mail.

"That is one of the reasons I don't want to see that fight, I've already seen it.

"I've seen Paulie get his a** whooped twice so why the f*** would I want to see it again? It doesn't excite me.

"The only way that fight could happen is if it was a feel-good fight (for McGregor), just to shove the fists down his throat one more time. Hopefully that would keep him quiet for five minutes but I really doubt that."

Malignaggi's last fight was back in March earlier this year when he suffered the eighth loss of his career to Sam Eggington.

He announced his retirement two days later but like Mayweather, appears very tempted to make a return to the sport if a fight against McGregor can be arranged.