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    Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao to take place in December or January, according to man who represents BOTH fighters

    CONOR MCGREGOR is in talks to face Manny Pacquiao in December or January, according to the man that represents them both.
    The Notorious sent social media into a frenzy with a string of tweets on Friday night – culminating with the revelation that he will fight Pacquiao in the Middle East.

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    McGregor will return to action in December or JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Audie Attar has confirmed talks over a McGregor-Pacquiao boutCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook.I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.
    — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 25, 2020

    Some were sceptical given McGregor’s previous “revelations” on Twitter – including earlier this year when he “accepted” a call-out from Anderson Silva.
    But Audie Attar, who represents both McGregor and Pacquiao, confirmed to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that talks are in fact taking place this time around.
    Attar revealed that the bout would take place in December or January… but that the deal isn’t yet complete.
    And while McGregor, 32, tweeted that he’d be facing Pacquiao in the Middle East – his representative also stated that the region was merely one of a few destinations being discussed.

    The Filipino, 41, has himself confirmed that he will be taking on the MMA star in the boxing ring.
    A statement from Pacquiao’s office read: “For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year.
    “The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic.”
    Attar has also been holding talks with the UFC over McGregor’s future – with the boxing match against Pacquiao one of the items on the agenda.

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    How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up

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    Pacquiao last fought Keith Thurman in 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press

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    Dana White’s promotion are in fact on board with the idea, having co-promoted McGregor’s previous lucrative dabble with professional boxing against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
    After his bout with Pacquiao, the Notorious is expected to return to the octagon in 2021.
    Prior to his Pacquiao admission, McGregor also revealed messages with White from back in February, in which he was trying to get another fight on in May.
    The UFC president had been planning on matching McGregor up with Justin Gaethje in Las Vegas on July 11, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic rocking the sporting calendar.

    It will be a true honour to have faced two of the greatest boxers of the modern era, afraid of a fight.
    — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 25, 2020

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    Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao: How UFC legend compares to boxing icon ahead of shock fight in Middle East

    CONOR MCGREGOR whipped up a storm on social media last night by revealing that he will be fighting Manny Pacquiao.
    The Notorious has been out of action since defeating Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January.

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    How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up

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    Conor McGregor will return to the ringCredit: Getty – Contributor

    McGregor, 32, then dismayed MMA fans when he retired for a third time back in June.
    In a string of tweets on Friday night, however, the Irishman revealed his messages with UFC president Dana White from earlier this year – in which he tried to arrange a second bout of 2020 in May or June.
    And he then dropped the Pacquiao bombshell, writing: “Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook. I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.”
    McGregor’s manager Audie Attar, who also represents Pacquiao, confirmed to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that talks are ongoing – but that the bout isn’t ready to be confirmed just yet.

    Pacquiao is keen to get the fight on, however with a statement from his office reading: “For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year.
    “The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic.”
    So with the fight set to be pencilled in for December or January, let’s take a look at the duo’s tale of the tape.
    A fighting veteran at 41, Pacquiao is nine years McGregor’s senior.

    Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook.I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.
    — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 25, 2020

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    Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    UFC president Dana White is again likely to be involved in the promotionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    And with that age comes experience, with the Filipino having fought 71 times compared to McGregor’s 27 bouts – with only one of the Notorious’ fights having come in the boxing ring, when he was stopped in the tenth round by Floyd Mayweather three years ago.
    In MMA, however, McGregor does boast 22 wins, while Pacquiao has 63 on his record in the boxing ring.
    The UFC star has been defeated five times, including the Mayweather bout, with the most recent of these coming against Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.
    Pacquiao, meanwhile, has notched up seven losses and two draws.
    Both fighters are southpaws, while McGregor boasts a two-inch height advantage at 5ft 8in, and an enormous 18 centimetre reach advantage at 188cm.
    Pacquiao weighed in at 146lbs for his last bout against Keith Thurman in 2019 – 24lbs lighter than McGregor was for his first-round stoppage of Cerrone in January – but it’s unknown which weight category they will fight at this time around.
    McGregor is expected to return to the octagon later in 2021, having held positive talks with the UFC on Friday.
    Meanwhile, Pacquiao will return to his political position as senator of the Philippines.

    It will be a true honour to have faced two of the greatest boxers of the modern era, afraid of a fight.
    — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 25, 2020

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    McGregor quickly dispatched of Donald Cerrone in JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Watch Conor McGregor shadow box in ring in huge hint at return for UFC legend amid Mayweather and Pacquiao rumours

    CONOR McGREGOR has fuelled speculation he could be preparing for another boxing match after sharing training footage in the ring.
    It comes after UFC president Dana White revealed a ‘big announcement’ is to come regarding his impending move into the boxing business.

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    Conor McGregor shared videos of a shadow boxing Credit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma

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    McGregor fuelled speculation he could be preparing for another boxing matchCredit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma

    In the same breath the promoter also revealed he has held talks with McGregor, 32, regarding his future, having announced his retirement in June.
    The Notorious’ latest video, where he can be seen shadow boxing, and White’s comments have fans predicting the Irishman will be in the ring again.
    One said: “Dana White said the UFC are working on “some fun stuff” for Conor McGregor.
    “It looks like McGregor is returning to the boxing ring in the near future…”

    Another said: “Dana also said there’s a big boxing announcement to make, probably Pacquiao vs McGregor.”
    One added: “Masvidal vs McGregor boxing match?”

    Dana White said the UFC are working on “some fun stuff” for Conor McGregor. It looks like McGregor is returning to the boxing ring in the near future… pic.twitter.com/T8iQ3fRIEf
    — MMA Eejit 🇮🇪 (@MMAEejit) September 25, 2020

    McGregor could probably just switch to boxing and have a pretty successful career. He didn’t do all that bad against Floyd just didn’t have the gas tank to finish the fight. https://t.co/swgKOxtgxK
    — Layno (@LaynoInsano) September 25, 2020

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    McGregor – who showed off his newly shaved head – has not fought since beating Donald Cerrone, 37, in 40 seconds in January.

    But his dream of a three-fight ‘season’ was soon dashed after the coronavirus pandemic halted his new found momentum. 
    Before winning for the first time in three years, McGregor declared plans to challenge for a boxing world title.
    He wanted to rematch Floyd Mayweather, 43, who he lost to on his boxing debut in 2017, as well as revealing negotiations took place to fight Manny Pacquiao, 41.
    But just six months later, the Dubliner hung up the gloves after his hopes of facing Khabib Nurmagomedov, 31, took a hit.
    It came as Justin Gaethje, 31, won the interim lightweight belt to set up a unification against Khabib, who beat McGregor in 2018.
    Despite quitting the UFC following a loss in motivation, White revealed the superstar is interested in ‘fun projects’ they discussed.

    He told BT Sport: “I talked to him a couple days ago, not talking about fighting right now. 
    “We are working on a couple of other fun projects for him, he’s interested, so we’ll see if we can get it done. 
    “If we do I’ll probably be talking about it after Fight Island.” 
    On his move into boxing, White added: “We’ll probably have something to announce here soon.
    “When it’s time, I’ll let you know, I’m not ready yet. But [it’ll be] in the next couple of weeks.”
    Mayweather last November announced online that he was ‘coming out of retirement in 2020’ and would be working with White to do so.

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    Mayweather beat McGregor in a 2017 crossover fight Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    The UFC boss had confirmed the American legend is still eyeing a return to the ring, with the pair holding further talks.
    And Mayweather’s southpaw sparring partner Denis Douglin predicted the 50-0 legend is preparing to face left-hander McGregor once again.
    Douglin told Vegas Insider this month: “I do think this could happen, I think he’s going to fight UFC guys.
    “It’s actually quite interesting because I’m left-handed and McGregor and Khabib are both left-handed.
    “So him choosing to spar me, that might be the reason why.
    “That’s something someone said to me the other day and I was like, ‘you know what, that makes sense’, so it’s very possible.
    “The McGregor fight generated so much money, why not do something like that again or fight another UFC fighter if he’s making millions of dollars?”

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    Seven UFC fighters who could cross over to boxing after Dana White hinted at big announcement in ‘next couple of weeks’

    DANA WHITE hinted he is making an imminent move into boxing with a big announcement to come in ‘the next couple of weeks’.
    The UFC president had revealed plans to launch Zuffa Boxing in 2017, before Conor McGregor lost to Floyd Mayweather.

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    UFC president Dana White is eyeing a move into boxing

    And despite the venture since being shelved, White recently told BT Sport: “And we’ll probably have something to announce here soon.
    “Yeah [it is in the world of boxing]. When it’s time, I’ll let you know, I’m not ready yet. But [it’ll be] in the next couple of weeks.”
    It sparked speculation White could again be preparing to bring some of his UFC stars over to boxing.
    Here SunSport takes a look at seven UFC fighters who could swap the cage for the ring.

    Conor McGregor
    McGregor, 32, is not the only UFC star to have laced up the gloves – but he’s certainly the most recognised.
    His debut ended in a tenth-round defeat against Mayweather, but the ‘money-fight’ saw the Irishman pocket around £80m.
    McGregor, who boxed as an amateur until he was 16, had vowed to return to the ring, eyeing a rematch with Mayweather, 43.
    He has since hung up the gloves, but even in retirement the southpaw teased a lucrative boxing match against Manny Pacquiao.

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    Conor McGregor lost his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather
    Jorge Masvidal
    Masvidal has been credited for possessing one of the best boxing abilities in the UFC.
    It was the first sport he took up while achieving success as a street fighter in Miami.
    The 35-year-old has a deep routed love for boxing and idolises Panamanian legend Roberto Duran – who walked him out before his win against Nate Diaz last November.
    Masvidal, who has one pro boxing win, has shared an interest in lacing up the gloves, previously calling out Mayweather and more recently Canelo Alvarez.

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    Jorge Masvidal recently called out boxer Canelo Alvarez

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    Nick and Nate Diaz
    The Diaz brothers have taken the fundamentals of a solid jab and slashing hooks to the body into the octagon with them.
    Both have made a name for themselves sparring with pro boxers, especially Andre Ward.
    Ward, a two-weight champ and modern great, sparred the brothers during his career and gave high praise to the two.
    He said: “Those boys could do good in boxing. Anytime I’ve fought a left-hander I’ve had them over in camp.
    “They lasted the whole camp, they can take it and dish it out.”

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    Nick, left, and Nate Diaz brothers have made a name for themselves sparring with pro boxers
    Stipe Miocic
    Before Miocic became heavyweight champion, he boxed as an amateur as well as wrestling at college.
    He won the Cleveland Golden Gloves, and has taken it into his UFC career with 15 knockouts in 20 wins.
    Miocic has opened the door to boxing before, even calling out champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
    The 38-year-old said: “I would love to box. If there’s a chance I could fight Joshua or Fury or something like that, it’d be great.”

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    Stipe Miocic won the Cleveland Golden Gloves as an amateur boxer
    Francis Ngannou
    Another heavyweight eyeing a move into the ring is hard-hitter Ngannou, who has won 11 times by KO in 15 wins.
    When the 34-year-old first started training aged 22, he wanted to be a boxer but transitioned into MMA as there was more chance to make money.
    He told Mike Tyson he still dreams of making his boxing debut, and was linked with facing Dillian Whyte.
    Ngannou has also sparred Brit Joe Joyce, while later calling out WBC king Fury.

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    Francis Ngannou has sparred heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce
    Dustin Poirier
    After Poirier was beaten by McGregor in 2014, he moved up to lightweight, and has won ten of his last 13 fights.
    A major part of the 31-year-old’s success was his improved boxing and power, so much so that he wants to spearhead Zuffa Boxing’s launch against either Nate Diaz or his brother.
    Poirier told MMA Junkie in January: “I’d be willing to box him if they wanted to do that.
    “I wish Zuffa Boxing was around and we’d have an opportunity – him and his brother were always talking about crossing over to boxing, I’d love to put the paws on him and show you guys my boxing skills.”

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    Dustin Poirier is open to making his pro boxing debut
    Cody Garbrandt
    Years before Garbrandt became bantamweight champion, he started as a successful amateur boxer, with a reported 32-0 record.
    The 29-year-old is one of the fastest fighters in the UFC and with ten KOs, he has proven to have power in his hands.
    He even called out McGregor to a boxing match in 2017, telling ESPN: “No ill will towards the guy, but I actually believe I’m a better boxer.
    “I feel like I’m one of the best boxers in the UFC. I’ll go in there and knock Conor the f*** out in a boxing ring, just to be honest.
    “I would knock him out, that’s it. I have the best boxing in the game, in the UFC, and I’m ready to showcase it on another level.”

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    Cody Garbrandt had a reported 32-0 amateur boxing record
    Israel Adesanya
    Current unbeaten middleweight champion Adesanya has one of the most diverse striking styles in the UFC.
    A champion kickboxer previously, the 31-year-old is more renowned for mixing his unique but pinpoint strikes up.
    But he has boxed before in his homeland of New Zealand, amassing 6-1 record at cruiserweight and light-heavyweight.
    Adesanya last boxed in 2015, three years before his UFC debut, and emerges as one of the sport’s most experienced boxers.

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    Israel Adesanya amassed a 6-1 boxing record record

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    Logan Paul posts then deletes boxing licence pic after being called out by Conor McGregor coach over Mayweather bout

    LOGAN PAUL posted then deleted a picture of his professional boxing licence after getting ridiculed by Conor McGregor’s head coach.
    It comes amid rumours Paul – who lost his pro debut against YouTube rival KSI last November – could take on Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout.

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    Logan Paul lost his pro boxing debut to KSI last year

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    Floyd Mayweather has been approached to box Paul

    Mayweather, 43, last boxed as a pro in 2017 beating McGregor but in 2018 returned to beat featherweight kickboxer Tension Nasukawa in one round in an exhibition.
    And according to TMZ Sports, he has been approached about another exhibition spectacle which would see him remarkably box Paul.
    John Kavanagh, who helped McGregor prepare for his boxing defeat three years ago, slammed the potential fight and questioned how it could even be sanctioned.

    how is logan getting a pro license to fight mayweather? he has no pro combat sports experience? “yes but didnt conor get a boxing license to debut against him??” true, but you’re a slow donkey if you think that is in anyway similar to a youtuber getting one for his debut.
    — Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) September 17, 2020

    Kavanagh tweeted: “How is Logan getting a pro license to fight Mayweather?

    “He has no pro combat sports experience? ‘yes but didn’t Conor get a boxing license to debut against him??’
    “True, but you’re a slow donkey if you think that is in anyway similar to a youtuber getting one for his debut.”
    Paul has in fact boxed twice, both against KSI – real name Olajide William Olatunji.
    The first resulted in a draw after six exhibition rounds, but the pair controversially turned pro for their rematch at the end of last year.

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    KSI beat YouTube rival Paul by split-decision

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    Paul, who was beaten by split-decison after having two points docked, uploaded a picture directed at Kavanagh, revealing that he already has a pro licence.
    He captioned the post: “Relax Karen.”
    The 25-year-old American will not be in need of a licence if the bout is an exhibition.
    Mayweather last year confirmed plans to come out of retirement, but revealed he would likely only box in exhibitions, opposed to returning as a professional.
    Despite being approached for the mismatch bout, the American legend is said to be leaning towards rejecting the offer.

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    Logan Paul posts then deletes pic of boxing licence after he’s called out by Conor McGregor’s coach over Mayweather bout

    LOGAN PAUL posted then deleted a picture of his professional boxing licence after being ridiculed by Conor McGregor’s head coach.
    It comes amid rumours Paul – who lost his pro debut against YouTube rival KSI last November – could face Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout.

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    Logan Paul lost his pro boxing debut to KSI last year

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    Floyd Mayweather has been approached to box Paul

    Mayweather, 43, last boxed as a pro in 2017 beating McGregor but in 2018 returned to beat featherweight kickboxer Tension Nasukawa in one round in an exhibition.
    And according to TMZ Sports, he has been approached about another exhibition spectacle which would see him remarkably box Paul.
    John Kavanagh, who helped McGregor prepare for his boxing defeat three years ago, slammed the potential fight and questioned how it could even be sanctioned.

    how is logan getting a pro license to fight mayweather? he has no pro combat sports experience? “yes but didnt conor get a boxing license to debut against him??” true, but you’re a slow donkey if you think that is in anyway similar to a youtuber getting one for his debut.
    — Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) September 17, 2020

    Kavanagh tweeted: “How is Logan getting a pro license to fight Mayweather?

    “He has no pro combat sports experience? ‘yes but didn’t Conor get a boxing license to debut against him??’
    “True, but you’re a slow donkey if you think that is in anyway similar to a youtuber getting one for his debut.”
    Paul has in fact boxed twice, both against KSI – real name Olajide William Olatunji.
    The first resulted in a draw after six exhibition rounds, but the pair controversially turned pro for their rematch at the end of last year.

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    KSI beat YouTube rival Paul by split-decision

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    Paul, who was beaten by split-decison after having two points docked, uploaded a picture directed at Kavanagh, revealing that he already has a pro licence.
    He captioned the post: “Relax Karen.”
    The 25-year-old American will not be in need of a licence if the bout is an exhibition.
    Mayweather last year confirmed plans to come out of retirement, but revealed he would likely only box in exhibitions, opposed to returning as a professional.
    Despite being approached for the mismatch bout, the American legend is said to be leaning towards rejecting the offer.

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    Watch as struggling Amir Khan is forced to tap out in ring after being given a masterclass by MMA ace Muhammad Mokaev

    AMIR KHAN may be a former unified light-welterweight boxing world champ but he looked a far cry from a title-holder when he attempted MMA.
    The 33-year-old tested his wrestling abilities when MMA’s Muhammad Mokaev rocked up to his gym in Bolton.

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    Amir Khan failed to put up a fight against Mokaev

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    The boxing star struggled to get out of Mokaev’s grip

    Mokaev, who fights out of Manchester, uploaded a video of the pair scrapping on the floor of a ring.
    It shows the 20-year-old wrapping his body around Khan’s preventing him from moving.
    He then wraps his legs around Khan’s waist while using his arm to get the helpless boxer in a headlock.
    After a few seconds of attempting to free himself, Khan decides to call it a day by tapping out.

    Although he took it all in good spirits as he had a huge grin on his face while climbing back to his feet.
    Mokaev, who has won his only two MMA fights, was eager to show his success off to fans and uploaded the video to social media with the comment: “Brother, please stay boxing.”
    Khan just simply responded: “Haha.”
    Khan’s next fight has yet to be arranged despite talk of taking on Brit rival Kell Brook.

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    Khan had no hope and decided to tap out

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    Khan won’t be takin gup a new career in MMA anytime soon

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    The two boxers have been trading insults for years, and a straightener in the ring seems further away than ever.
    Khan signed a three-fight deal with Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn at the start of 2018 – with the third of those set to be the long-awaited clash against Brook.
    But he told iFL TV this month: “[He] keeps avoiding the fight in different ways, you know, instead of verbally saying ‘I don’t want to fight you.’
    “He’s avoiding it by moving up in weight. By moving up in weight he shows he doesn’t want to fight me.”

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    Katie Taylor could fight ex-UFC star Cris Cyborg in world title boxing bout as Bellator chief gives green light

    KATIE TAYLOR has been given the green light to face former UFC star Cris Cyborg in a world title boxing bout.
    But the Irish star, 34, may have to agree to step into the octagon in return for the deal to take place.

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    Katie Taylor holds the WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine lightweight world titlesCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
    After undisputed lightweight champion Taylor secured a repeat rematch win over Delphine Persoon, the Olympic hero is already seeking a different challenge.
    And it is thought an opponent from outside of boxing may be the answer for the WBO, WBC, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine lightweight world champion.
    Now Bellator president Scott Coker confirmed Cyborg could switch across from MMA to challenge the 16-0 Taylor.
    Coker told The Telegraph: “I would be thrilled. This is a goal that is important to Cyborg.
    “She told me a year ago when I signed her that she wanted to box and become a world champion in boxing.
    “We have been approached by three or four females to fight, but while having a boxing title under her belt is something she wants to do, my request is – win, lose, or draw – when the boxing match is done, they reciprocate and come and have an MMA fight in the next six months.
    “Then, in my view, it’s fair. If this is something she [Cyborg] wants to do, we are going to support her.”  
    Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn could get a deal over the line relatively easily due to both his and Bellator’s strong relationship with DAZN.

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    Taylor boats a perfect professional record inside the ring, winning all 16 of her fights including six by knockout.
    The two-weight world champ retained all her lightweight titles with the win by unanimous decision against Belgian Persoon in Hearn’s Brentwood back garden.
    Cyborg, meanwhile, has 22 wins – 18 by knockout – from her 25 MMA fights with two defeats and one no contest.
    The Brazilian, 35, lost her very first fight to Erica Paes in her homeland way back in 2005.
    Her second defeat came against Amanda Nunes in December 2018 where Cyborg was forced to give up her UFC women’s featherweight championship.
    She did, however, win the Bellator equivalent in her latest fight at Bellator 238, beating Julia Budd with a TKO.

    3

    Cyborg could be willing to make the switch across from MMA to boxing – should Taylor go the other way for a rematchCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Katie Taylor returns home to hero’s welcome at Dublin Airport after unifying lightweight world titles in New York More