It was recently reported that Croke Park is out of question for Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight on May 20 in light of promoter Eddie Hearn’s statements about the cost of putting on an event at the stadium.
The matter has been discussed in Irish Parliament, where Hearn’s comments were questioned.
In a clip shared by Ariel Helwani, Irish Government officials discussed and defended the cost of hosting an event at Croke Park, rather pointing to the date for the fight, which collides with the Heineken Cup Final, as the major sticking point.
“They explained to us that there was a funding gap, between what the promoters were prepared to pay for the fight and what the fight would actually cost.”
“What we did, immediately after that, was raise queries on what the cost would be and the other details that would be necessary and the department is currently considering the responses to those queries.”
“One of the difficulties is with the date … The 20th May already is hosting the Heineken Cup Final, which is a huge event in European rugby – and Dublin tourism would be full that particular night.”
Taylor – Serrano 2 at Croke Park, and specifically @eddiehearn’s comments yesterday, were discussed at the Irish Parliament in Ireland today.
“ … some MMA channel …” ? pic.twitter.com/MA8hB5gvEF
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 3, 2023
In a reply on iFL TV, Hearn stated that he was not attaching any blame on the part of the Irish Government in relation to the collapse of the Croke Park. However, he did admit that any fight staged there would now have to be in September.
“I never came out and blamed the Government or blamed Croke Park, I just gave you the facts. To put the fight on at Croke Park, is three times more expensive than to put it on at Wembley Stadium.”
“We have a business to run and we have got to deliver the best possible purses for the fighters as well. We are not turning our backs on this opportunity, but we are turning our back on this opportunity for May.”
Instead, it looks likeTaylor will rematch Serrano at the 3 Arena in Dublin in May, and if the Irishwoman wins once more, it has been floated that she may face undisputed 140lb champion, Chantelle Cameron.
Hearn has also had an offer of financial sponsorship from UFC superstar, Conor McGregor, who is willing to put up €500,000 to see the event goes ahead. The promoter has confirmed talks with McGregor and that he could be involved should the September stadium fight go ahead.
