Eddie Hearn open to promoting Conor McGregor but says UFC star is too rich to risk losing to a ‘plonker’ like Jake Paul
EDDIE HEARN would love to promote a Conor McGregor fight – but said he is far too rich to risk losing to a “plonker” like Jake Paul.
The UFC superstar has thrown his support Hearn’s way ahead of Katie Taylor’s homecoming bout in Ireland this Saturday.
The pair have partnered up with McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and recovery spray Tidl sponsoring the event.
Hearn met up with the ex-UFC champion at his Black Forge Inn pub to discuss plans to bring Taylor back home.
And the promoter could not help himself from bringing up the subject of McGregor getting back in the ring one day too.
Hearn told SunSport: “We talked about boxing but obviously he’s with the UFC and I respect Dana.
“He also knows what he’s doing, he’s been around and if we ever get involved in promoting a fight for him, it would be fantastic.
“But we’re getting on very well. He FaceTimed me and it was almost like a brother phoning me up last night, or a dad going, ‘Alright? Good day to day, I’ve seen it all.’ Good work, make sure you get some sleep, you need to go again tomorrow.’
“I was like, ‘Alright, thanks a lot.’ We’re out pushing all his brands and looking forward to seeing him tonight.”
McGregor, 34, made his professional boxing debut in 2017, losing to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 46.
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The crossover blockbuster needed the special permission from the UFC to get over the line, something the company has not done since.
That is despite McGregor being linked with facing the likes of Canelo Alvarez, 32, and Manny Pacquiao, 44, in the past.
But Hearn reckons it would not be worth McGregor answering the callouts from YouTuber-turned boxer Paul, 26.
Asked who McGregor could box, he said: “Jake Paul, Nate Diaz, I dunno but I don’t think he needs to do it.
“He’s made his money, he’s a great mixed martial artist. You don’t want to go in there and lose to someone you don’t really like.
“It’s one thing losing to Floyd Mayweather, you don’t want to lose to a plonker.”
He also knows what he’s doing, he’s been around and if we ever get involved in promoting a fight for him, it would be fantastic.
Eddie Hearn on Conor McGregor
Women’s boxing sensation Taylor, 36, moves up to challenge Chantelle Cameron, 32, for the undisputed super-lightweight titles.
It will be her only ever fight in Ireland since turning pro and the first in the region since 2014.
So McGregor would not miss the occasion for the world – and has found himself joining Hearn in promoting the event.
“It works well together,” Hearn said.
“I’m pushing his brands, he’s supporting Katie which is most important to him and he’s pushing the show.
“I love Conor McGregor, I think he’s amazing. I was a little bit, shy when I met him, don’t mind saying he’s a superstar.
“But, he obviously likes what we do, he knows we’re genuine, his support is genuine.
“He’ll be here tonight and he’ll add that extra element to the fight.”
