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      Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao CONFIRMED by Filipino with boxing match set for December or January

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      MANNY PACQUIAO has confirmed he will fight Conor McGregor in the boxing ring – and the bout is set for January.
      The quick turn-around was revealed today – with the epic clash set to be held in the Middle East.

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      Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he will fight UFC legend Conor McGregor next yearCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Conor McGregor took on Floyd Mayweather in his one and only pro boxing fightCredit: Getty – Contributor

      McGregor had talked up a return to boxing after announcing he was quitting UFC in the summer – and last night teased that he was going to fight the Filipino legend.
      He tweeted: “Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook. I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.”
      And pound-for-pound icon Pacquiao has now confirmed he will fight the Irishman in a sensational clash.
      McGregor previously fought Floyd Mayweather under Queensberry Rules in 2017, and was stopped in the tenth round.

      He has been eyeing another dabble into boxing for some time now despite that defeat.
      Pacquaio, 41 – known as Pac Man – has now accepted the Irishman’s challenge.

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      How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up

      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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      A senator in his native country, he says cash from this fight will go towards the relief effort in the Philippines after Covid-19.

      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.”
      Both men have previously fought Floyd Mayweather.
      The Pac Man previously took on ‘Money’ Mayweather in 2015 in one of the biggest-grossing PPV fights in history.
      But this was also one of the worst PPV fights ever, with the Filipino struggling to to get anywhere near his best form.
      McGregor fans have mixed feelings about his return to boxing.
      One said: “I’m a big fan Conor but ffs man get back to what you do best. Get back to the ufc and have a run at the 155 or 170 titles!”
      But Conor McGoat said: “All of u will watch it. All of u will talk about it. So just shut up and witness greatness thank u Conor u are our lord and saviour.”
      McGregor, 32, retired from UFC for a third time in four years earlier this summer.
      He then yesterday teased that he would be coming back to fight Pacquaio.
      In a succession of tweets, the Irishman said: “It will be a true honour to have faced two of the greatest boxers of the modern era, afraid of a fight.”
      Pacquiao, an eight-weight world champion widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever, most recently fought in July last year when he beat Keith Thurman in a WBA super world welterweight title defence.

      Conor McGregor shows off hand speed in shadow boxing as UFC star holidays in France More

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

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      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’

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      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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      UFC boss Dana White set to formally confirm move into boxing in ‘next couple of weeks’ with big announcement

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      UFC boss Dana White will move into boxing with a big announcement in ‘next couple of weeks’.
      The MMA maestro teased a step into the sweet science last year but now looks set to make his bow in the sport.

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      UFC president Dana White is set to make a move into boxing Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      At one stage White – who became UFC president in 2001 – appeared to have given up on conquering a new domain.
      But the 51-year-old is finally set to make his move as he believes he can offer something to the world of boxing.
      He told BT Sport: “The world of boxing hasn’t been able to do what I’ve been able to do [in MMA] over the last 20 years.

      The world of boxing hasn’t been able to do what I’ve been able to do [in MMA] over the last 20 years.”
      Dana Whiteon moving into boxing

      “If they can’t do things when the world is normal, you can’t expect them to do things when the world is crazy.

      “I peeked under the hood a lot there for the last year. Looked at different things and I said, ‘I don’t know man, I don’t know if this is fixable’.
      “Funny enough, since the pandemic I’ve been looking at other options too.
      “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.”

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      White has kept the UFC running thanks to the use of his Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
      He single-handedly calls all the shots on big fights in the organisation and recently gave the green light for best friends turned enemies Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington to get it on.
      In White’s latest event Covington defeated Tyron Woodley via fifth-round TKO in the headline fight.

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      UFC legend Michael Bisping blasts ’embarrassing’ video of Ryan Garcia confronting YouTuber Jake Paul with fight contract

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      UFC legend Michael Bisping blasted an ’embarrassing’ video of Ryan Garcia confronting YouTuber Jake Paul with a fight contract.
      The pair – who had struck up a friendship and even filmed videos together – traded words on Twitter.

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      A video emerged of Ryan Garcia confronting YouTuber Jake Paul with a fight contract

      It came after Garcia, 22, responded to shock news Logan Paul, 25, could box Floyd Mayweather, 43, in an exhibition this year.
      He tweeted: “If Mayweather can fight Logan Paul then I’m fighting Jake Paul.”
      Paul, 23, responded: “It’s a little too early for your first loss peewee.”
      Footage then emerged of Garcia turning up to Paul’s Los Angeles mansion with what he claimed was a homemade contract for the two to fight.

      The staged stunt was slammed by former UFC champion Bisping, who tweeted: “Embarrassing.”
      But WBO super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring found the lighter side of the video.
      Herring responded: “When Ryan said, “I took a long time making that…” I knew it wasn’t legit.”

      When Ryan said, “I took a long time making that…” I knew it wasn’t legit 😂😂😂
      — Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) September 21, 2020

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      Garcia is due to face Luke Campbell, 32, for the ‘interim’ WBC lightweight title, with negotiations still on going.

      Paul – who won his boxing debut against internet rival ‘AnEsonGib in January – is preparing for his second fight.
      He faces ex-NBA star Nate Robinson on November 28, featuring on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s boxing comeback.
      Garcia had been helping the American social media star prepare for the fight.
      They shot and uploaded vlogs together, with Paul even pranking the unbeaten boxer by pretending their ‘body shot challenge’ left him with a broken rib.

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      Garcia and Paul have struck up a close friendship

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

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      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

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      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.

      4

      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.

      4

      KSI beat YouTube rival Paul by split-decision

      4

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

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      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.

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

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