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    Ebanie Bridges stuns in low cut dress as she gets up close and personal with Conor McGregor at Katie Taylor fight

    EBANIE BRIDGES was a dazzling distraction for Conor McGregor as he watched pal Katie Taylor suffer world title agony.The Blonde Bomber sparkled in a low-cut dress as Chantelle Cameron inflicted Taylor’s first defeat following a thriller in Dublin.
    Aussie boxer Ebanie Bridges helped cheer Conor McGregor up on the night his Irish pal Katie Taylor lost for the first timeCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Ebanie sparkled when she met up with former UFC king McGregorCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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    See Conor McGregor’s heartbroken reaction as UFC star disputes result after Katie Taylor loss to Chantelle Cameron

    CONOR MCGREGOR was spotted looking heartbroken ringside as Katie Taylor lost to Chantelle Cameron before calling for a rematch.It emerged over the past fortnight that The Notorious was part-sponsoring his fellow Irish star’s long-awaited homecoming in Dublin.
    Chantelle Cameron celebrates after defeating Katie Taylor at the 3ArenaCredit: PA
    Conor McGregor was spotted looking devastated as the judges’ verdict was announcedCredit: YouTube – TheMacLife
    And he was spotted enjoying the action alongside Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn from the front row throughout the night.
    But both he and the raucous home crowd were left deflated as Taylor fought on home soil for the first time in her professional career.
    And she did so in a scintillating affair with Cameron, which was end-to-end action from the bell.
    But after ten thrilling rounds, two judges scored in favour of Cameron, with one failing to separate the pair. 
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    It meant Taylor, who moved up to super-lightweight, tasted defeat for the first time in her career.  
    Footage has now emerged of McGregor reacting to the result and as the words “and still” were read out to confirm Cameron’s triumph, the UFC star was seen slumping and putting his hands on his head next to the ring.
    However, he soon regained his composure to go and console Taylor before then telling reporters: “Great fight, close fight, I had it a draw.”
    McGregor was then asked if he wanted to see the rematch at Croke Park, which he replied: “Yeah, yes I f***ing would.
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    “She went up in weight at the drop of a hat. She was scheduled for one different style of opponent at a specific weight and that fell through.
    “So last minute what does Katie do? The warrior that’s in her? She gave me something to aspire to!
    “She wanted to go up in weight and fight the champion in the heavier weight at the drop of a hat.
    “Give her a chance to do it at Croke Park, for sure Croke Park is on.
    “It was a close bout, the size was prevalent but Katie is a tactician, give Katie another bash at that.”
    And when asked what message he had for his compatriot, McGregor added: “Keep your head up, you’re the champion, you’re the Olympic champion and you’re the world champion still in your division.”
    He later composed himself to console Katie Taylor in the ring after her first defeatCredit: PA
    Conor McGregor sat alongside Eddie Hearn at ringside throughout the nightCredit: Reuters More

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    Conor McGregor challenges Tyson Fury to step into the cage after boxing superstar vow to fight Francis Ngannou

    CONOR McGREGOR has questioned whether Tyson Fury will ever follow up on his vow to fight in the cage. Fury has called out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou to a mixed-rules bout in the cage before.
    Ex-UFC star Darren Till with Tyson FuryCredit: Refer to Caption
    Conor McGregor questioned whether Tyson Fury will ever fight in the cage
    He proposed a stand-up bout, contested with the smaller 4oz MMA gloves but under boxing rules.
    But UFC legend McGregor has heard one too many of Fury’s broken promises to take the challenge too seriously.
    He said: “Is Tyson willing to step in the f****g cage or what? He’s saying he would, Tyson says a lot of things. 
    “I love him, he’s a mad, mad thing Tyson. And I’m excited to see him go.”
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    Fury, 34, is currently faced with forgoing a summer return fight with available opponents limited.
    It came after he saw talks to face Oleksandr Usyk, 36, in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout collapse.
    But boxing bosses in Saudi Arabia are looking to revive the historic fight as part of a series of tournament-style bouts.
    Eddie Hearn revealed there is a plan in place to have Fury fight Usyk on the same night as Anthony Joshua, 33, against Deontay Wilder, 37.
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    And McGregor probed the promoter at his Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin, just days out from Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight.
    He said: “What’s the old craic with the old Saudi, is that four real? With the four? I know you want the fight. Saudi want to do it? 
    “Interesting isn’t it the Saudis, do you reckon it will happen?” 
    Hearn: “It’s a lot of money. There’s three people that will do it. We’ll see what Tyson Fury thinks.” 
    McGregor lost his boxing debut in 2017 to unbeaten great Floyd Mayweather, 46, but fancies fighting Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, 32.
    Although he joked Hearn would have to settle for a co-promotion such is the UFC icon’s superstardom.
    McGregor said: “You know the level I’m at, at best co-promote! At best co-promote.”
    Eddie Hearn with Conor McGregor More

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    Conor McGregor ready to fight Canelo Alvarez ‘no f****g problem’… but tells Eddie Hearn he will have to ‘co-promote’

    CONOR McGREGOR said he would fight Canelo Alvarez “no f****g problem” – but Eddie Hearn has to settle for a co-promotion. McGregor made his professional boxing debut in 2017, losing to American legend Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds.
    Conor McGregor is open to fighting Canelo AlvarezCredit: Rex Features
    Canelo Alvarez is boxing’s biggest superstarCredit: AP
    And despite the UFC showing no signs of giving the Irishman another exemption to fight outside the promotion, he has teased a boxing return.
    Lefty McGregor has studied the losing efforts of southpaws Billy Joe Saunders, 33, and John Ryder, 34, both beaten by Canelo.
    And it leaves MMA’s greatest superstar leaving the door open to a bout with boxing’s biggest attraction.
    McGregor said: “I saw Ryder, I’m a southpaw, Ryder was a southpaw, Billy Joe was a southpaw, I’ve seen methods, I’ve seen things I’d do. 
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    “I know he’s waining, I’d fight Canelo no f****g problem. Out straight. No problem.” 
    Canelo, 32, has been promoted by Hearn for the last three years.
    But McGregor, 34, joked should he face the Mexican superstar the pie would have to be split down the middle.
    He said: “You know the level I’m at, at best co-promote! At best co-promote.”
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    McGregor has linked up with Hearn to promote Katie Taylor’s long anticipated homecoming fight.
    Taylor, 36, challenges Chantelle Cameron, 32, for the undisputed super-lightweight crown in Ireland’s first boxing event since 2014.
    McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Tidl recovery spray has sponsored the event and kickstarted a friendship with Hearn.
    Speaking at his Black Forge Inn pub, he said: “I love him, he’s clued in, he’s in tune and he’s committed to the fighters and the sport and he’s very, very passionate and you can tell all day. 
    “It’s great to do business with him, great to be partnered with him, great to be friends with him and that’s it. He’s a top man.” 
    Conor McGregor with boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: @eddiehearn More

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    Tyson Fury challenges Jon Jones to a fight after the UFC legend claimed talk of them meeting had ‘struck a nerve’

    TYSON FURY has challenged Jon Jones to a boxing match after the UFC legend claimed talk of them fighting had “struck a nerve” with the Gypsy King.The 34-year-old WBC heavyweight champion initially took to his Instagram story to respond to a prediction made by controversial podcast host Joe Rogan.
    Tyson Fury has challenged Jon Jones to a boxing fightCredit: Instagram @tysonfury
    Joe Rogan said Jon Jones, above, would be the only one to walk out a room if they were locked inCredit: Alamy
    He had stated that MMA star Jones would be the one to walk out of a room if he and Fury were locked in one together.
    But the boxing icon soon hit back at those comments in X-rated fashion on social media and said: “I’m the baddest man on the planet.
    “I heard Joe Rogan say something about me, and I’ve been off all the social medias and didn’t reply to that little p****. Little f****** midget, bald-headed midget.
    “I heard him say that Jon Jones could f*** me up if we were in the room together. I don’t think so.
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    “Not a man born from a mother could f*** me up, in a room, on our own. Whatever happens in that room, I’d be walking out. Not a f****** problem.”
    That led to UFC heavyweight champ Jones, 35, then tweeting: “Hey Tyson, it seems like Joe may have struck a nerve.
    “I’ll admit there’s no one touching you in that ring right now, but let’s not let that confuse you with what would happen if you stepped foot in my cage.
    “If you ever want to put some of those questions you got going on to rest, give Dana a call. I’ll help you out.”
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    Now Fury has taken to social media again to post a video of himself saying: “I see Jon Jones has piped up, Jon you’re talking about me in the cage. I’m not a cage fighter mate I’m a boxer, the best boxer actually.
    “If you want to come into a boxing ring and fight me, be my guest and let me know. You don’t have to call anybody else, no dramas, nobody.
    “You call me because it’s a boxing fight and I’m the boss in this gym, me. You’re a great fighter Jon, but you’re no boxer that’s for sure. All the best and good luck.”
    Jones, who became UFC’s heavyweight champion in March after going up a weight division, has won 27 of his 28 UFC bouts, with his one loss coming via disqualification against Matt Hamill after 12-to-6 illegal elbows.
    Meanwhile, Fury has 33 wins and one draw from his 34 fights, including 24 KO wins.
    He is currently preparing for his next bout after failed talks with both Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr already this year, something he blames on the rest of the division.
    That means he has only fought once in the past 12 months, when he stopped old foe Derek Chisora in the tenth round at Tottenham Stadium in a one-sided fight in December, and has resulted in him dropping out of the top 50 highest-paid sports on the planet. More

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    Conor McGregor left me a bit shy when I met him but now he FaceTimes telling me to get some sleep, reveals Eddie Hearn

    EDDIE HEARN admitted Conor McGregor left him a little shy when they first met… now they catch up over FaceTime. The UFC legend has thrown his support to Hearn, who is bringing Katie Taylor back to Ireland for the first time in her professional career.
    Conor McGregor with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn
    In February, the pair met up at McGregor’s Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin to discuss Taylor’s homecoming fight.
    And Hearn revealed he was left a little starstruck by the MMA superstar, who is now sponsoring this Saturday’s fight.
    But after going into business with each other, McGregor, 34, is checking in to make sure the promoter is getting his beauty sleep.
    Hearn told SunSport in Dublin: “We’re getting on very well.
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    “He FaceTimed me and it was almost like a brother phoning me up last night, or a dad going, ‘Alright? Good day today, 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’s Forged Irish Stout and Tidl recovery spay are official sponsors of Taylor’s undisputed fight with Chantelle Cameron.
    But Hearn – who has raved about McGregor’s stout – seems to have got the ex-UFC champion’s unmatched promotional skills included in the deal.
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    He said: “He’s paying us but I think I’m overworking at the moment for Conor McGregor. 
    “But look, it works well together. 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.” 
    Taylor, 36, returns home for Ireland’s first boxing event since 2014.
    And she will move up to challenge super-lightweight champion Cameron, 32, after Amanda Serrano, 32, pulled out of their rematch injured.
    Hearn, who has promoted stadium fights in the UK, Mexico and America, believes the historic Irish return could top the lot.
    He said: “I can sort of tell you a dozen nights that I’ll remember forever that stand out for me, and this is well in there – and that’s before the fight. 
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    “So ask me the same question after Saturday night, it might me number one. It’s going to be that kind of night.” 
    Katie Taylor, Eddie Hearn and Chantelle CameronCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

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    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.
    Conor McGregor with boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: @EddieHearn
    Jake Paul has continued to call out Conor McGregorCredit: Getty
    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. 
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    “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.” 
    Katie Taylor, Eddie Hearn and Chantelle CameronCredit: Sportsfile More

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    Jake Paul welcomes ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to PFL after MMA star leaves UFC

    JAKE PAUL welcomed the “baddest man in the planet” Francis Ngannou to the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou has signed for the MMA promotion after walking out of the UFC as heavyweight champion following a breakdown in contract talks.
    Jake Paul welcomed the ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to the PFLCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Francis Ngannou has signed for the PFLCredit:
    @francis_ngannou

    Paul this year signed with the PFL to head up a “super-fight” series on pay-per-view, which also looks set to host his MMA debut.
    And the YouTuber-turned prizefighter was quick to welcome Ngannou as the newest addition to the PFL’s roster.
    He tweeted: “The baddest man in the planet has officially joined.”
    Paul, 26, followed it up by saying: “Francis, welcome to the PFL. Everybody, it is official.
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    “This is massive, massive, massive, massive news in MMA. We have some huge fights on the horizon.
    “Congratulations, Francis, you deserve this. The best heavyweight in the f*****g world to the PFL, and PFL Africa is going to be massive.
    “So excited. Let’s go.”
    PFL’s format consists of qualification and knockout stages, acting as MMA’s only seasonal league.
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    Points are earned according to the method of victory in the opening two bouts, with the top four in each weight progressing to the playoffs.
    From there it is win-or-go-home culminating in a semis and finals where a title belt and $1million prize cheque lays in wait.
    But the PFL have now launched a breakaway super-fight series, separate from their usual season, where Ngannou, 36, is set to debut in 2024.
    He said: “I am very excited for this game changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division.
    “I believe in the PFL’s “fighter first” culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa.
    “With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
    It has also been revealed DAZN is a partner of PFL’s super-fight division and will distribute events on its PPV platform in Europe and internationally with ESPN to carry US rights.
    PFL CEO Peter Murray with Francis Ngannou More