Lee McGregor wants a world title shot this year or he’s launching an attack on the weight divisions above.

The European, British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion is “licking his lips” at the thought of challenging WBO titleholder Paul Butler but admits if he can’t land that shot in 2022, then he will be forced to move up a weight class.

The 25-year-old says he has the “feel good factor” back in his life after a difficult few months in and out of the ring, which saw his dad, Stuart, left fighting for his life after being hit by a lorry.

McGregor’s father is now on the road to recovery and after fight cancellations, and shock draw in his last contest, the Edinburgh puncher is ready to give his career a shot in the arm.

“It’s no secret that I am big for bantamweight, and it is not easy making 118lbs,” the unbeaten McGregor said. 

“I’ve done everything at the weight, winning British, Commonwealth and European titles and so the only fight left for me is a world title. I cannot have an eliminator first because that would only come by the end of the year, at which point, I will be due to move up in weight.

“I’ve been licking my lips ever since Paul Butler won the WBO title because it’s a fight that’s easy to make, it makes sense and it’s a big fight in Britain.  I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but I would love that fight and would fancy my chances. I have made it clear to my team that it’s either a shot at the world title next, or I move up and make an assault on the super-bantamweight scene and get a title shot there.

“I know I am a major, major force at bantam and super bantamweight, and I am ready for them all.  There may even be opportunities for me up at featherweight.  I am going to go up through the weight divisions.”