IRELAND AND UFC superstar Conor McGregor has claimed that he would pay the security bill for Katie Taylor's fight against Amanda Serrano this year
Last week a war of words appeared between Eddie Hearn the Matchroom promotions CEO and members of the GAA over the cost of hosting Taylor and Serrano in Croke Park this summer.
The main obstacle between the pair appears to be around security costs at the 80,000-seater stadium.
Reports appeared last week that the fight has now been touted for the 3Arena, which holds around 13,000 people.
🥊 #TaylorSerrano2 UPDATE! @EddieHearn has confirmed on @arielhelwani’s MMA Hour that the 3 Arena will “quite possibly” be the venue for #TaylorSerrano2 providing Serrano is victorious this weekend‼️ https://t.co/4cREgpbBGk pic.twitter.com/dINXK9qCnQ
— International Boxing News (@IntBoxingNews) February 1, 2023
Commenting on The MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Hour with Ariel Helwani last week Taylor's promoter Hearn said, "The cost of hire, the cost of everything involved with the event is three times nearly more than staging it at Wembley Stadium," said Hearn. "It's unbelievable. It's so frustrating. "
"It's a business. Ultimately, Katie Taylor has her financial demands for this fight. So does Amanda Serrano and we want to make sure we deliver on that.
"But we're so far out on the possibility with the cost of running that show and we're out of time in terms of delivering that date to the broadcaster so we've got to move."
Peter Mckenna Croke's Commerical Director speaking at the release of the GAA's annual report and financial results last week refuted the claims and said the promoter of the event should cover the bill.
“So, our rent was coming in around €400,000. I think the rent for Wembley is about Stg£250,000-£300,000 (€281,000-€337,000). The real issue here is about security costs that which we felt the promoter should carry," said McKenna on Thursday.
Conor McGregor, one of Ireland's most famous combat stars decided to home in on the conversation over the weekend and said that he would be willing to help Taylor fight in Croke Park.
Tweeting from the account on Friday, the UFC star said, "The extra security bill is 500k to have Katie Taylor fight at Croke Park? I will sponsor the event to see this happen"
Hearn responded by saying, "Let's talk"
"What’s the craic lad," McGregor wrote back to Hearn. "Give me the current landscape. I’m in. Is this doable still? Or is it a double show, the point first with Croke Park later in year, post the GAA season? I’m in either way. She better be getting her worth for this also."
Hearn then took the conversation private by replying: "In your DM's."
The fight between Serrano and Taylor will now go ahead after Serrano beat Erika Cruz in New York on Saturday. The only thing left to be decided is the venue for the fight.
The date for the fight is scheduled for the 20th of May.
The extra security bill is 500k to have Katie Taylor fight at croke park? I will sponsor the event to see this happen. — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 3, 2023
