Boxing promoter 'having discussions' with Conor McGregor over cash for Katie Taylor fight

• Published date: 06 February 2023
• Publication title: DublinLive (Ireland)

They spoke after the Notorious tweeted that he would pay the €500,000 security bill for a fight at the stadium. Undefeated lightweight champ Taylor is due to slug it out with Amanda Serrano in a hyped rematch on May 20

But hopes of staging the epic battle at Croke Park were dealt a blow after the GAA revealed the bombshell security costs. Hearn said he was having discussions with McGregor.

He added: "It's smart marketing for Proper 12. But also obviously he's a passionate Irishman who loves Katie Taylor and wants to see her accomplish her dream which is one, to fight in Ireland, and two, to potentially do it at Croke Park.

"We talked and he wanted the background, why were the costs so high, what could we do about it and was there an opportunity for Proper 12 as well.

"I think Conor's main priority is to see history made in Ireland. We went backwards and forwards.

"We're going to speak again this week and I may well fly to Ireland this week as well for a few meetings.

"He spoke about the process for Katie Taylor, which is it 3Arena and then Croke Park or do we try and find a way to make Croke Park happen in May. We know there are obstacles there but whatever happens, Katie Taylor's next fight will be in Ireland and it was very helpful to have a chat with the champ to see what he could do to help."

Taylor, 36, wouldn't comment on where the fight would be, but described her rematch with 34-year-old Serrano on Irish soil as "a dream come true".

She added: "This is more than a dream come true – my debut in Ireland against Amanda Serrano, 'The Real Deal' Amanda Serrano.

"The last fight was epic, and I expect nothing less for the next one."

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