Eddie Hearn has confirmed that he's held talks with Conor McGregor about the UFC superstar potentially sponsoring Katie Taylor's rematch with Amanda Serrano, in order to ensure it takes place at Croke Park.
Taylor's dream of competing at Croker for her first professional bout in Ireland was dealt a hammer blow this week, when promoter Hearn revealed that the costs of staging the bout at GAA HQ proved too costly.
Hearn insisted he would stay true to his promise of Taylor's rematch with Serrano - secured after Serrano earned a unanimous decision win over Erika Cruz on Saturday night - would take place in Ireland but it looked increasingly likely that the 3Arena would host the fight due to security costs attached to Croke Park.
READ MORE - Conor McGregor offers to pay €500,000 security bill for Katie Taylor stadium fight
Enter Conor McGregor, who took to social media to offer to pay the €500,000 fee and sponsor the event, which is set to take place on May 20 in the Irish capital.
Hearn, who is the head of Matchroom Boxing and has been promoting Taylor since she turned professional in 2016, has now divulged the details of his conversations with 'The Notorious' as all parties look to come to an agreement.
"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," Hearn said on Saturday.
"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."
Hearn continued: "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 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-champ to see what he could do to help."
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