Exclusive Any Katie Taylor Croker clash could 'follow' 3Arena rematch - Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn has played down the prospect of Katie Taylor's May bout with Amanda Serrano taking place at Croke Park but suggested a stadium fight could follow later this year.

Hearn announced earlier this month that the cost of staging the undisputed lightweight champion's rematch with the Puerto Rican at the GAA's headquarters was prohibitive and would likely take place at the 3Arena instead.

MMA star Conor McGregor subsequently offered to cover the estimated €500k security costs of hosting the fight on Jones' Road.

Hearn was in Dublin for talks today with the Irishman but told RTÉ Sport's Paul O'Flynn that he expected any Croker clash would likely take place in the autumn, with the May bout at the smaller indoor venue.

"There are a couple of phases to this. Number one, and the most important thing, is to bring Katie Taylor to Ireland. Number two, is to try and get her to fight at Croke Park.

"We talked about the numbers, cost, time-frame. The TV dates. We talked about the value also of fighting at the 3Arena. He has fought there himself, he said the atmosphere was unbelievable.

"I do think it's realistic for us that 20 May will be in the 3Arena. But I do think that a stadium fight will follow suit."

Katie Taylor's promoter Eddie Hearn was in Dublin today to meet MMA fighter Conor McGregor but Hearn told @OFlynnPaul that he expected the 20 May fight would be at the 3Arena, with a possible later Croke Park date to "follow suit" pic.twitter.com/2rKh82PxHn

Hearn does hold out the hope that Taylor's dream fight in Croke Park may become a reality in September, with possible support from government and others, including McGregor.

"I'm not prepared to let it slip again. She must fight in Ireland on 20 May.

"But we want to work together