Hearn tries to play down 'drummed up' security level

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has attempted to played down the level of security at this weekend's homecoming fight for Katie Taylor in Dublin.

Taylor’s challenge for the undisputed super lightweight will be held at the 3Arena in the capital, marking the first major boxing show in the Republic of Ireland for close to a decade.

The murder of the Kinahan gang member David Byrne at a boxing weigh-in the Regency Hotel seven years ago led to the exclusion of the sport over security fears and meant Taylor was unable to fight in her home country.

A report in a national newspaper claimed Matchroom are bringing extensive security as well recruiting personnel in Ireland.

Hearn has said the measures are in keeping with major events and acknowledges Gardai want "to make sure it goes smoothly" in order to continue a return of boxing in the future.

The promoter said it is significantly less security than global star Canelo Alvarez’s homecoming in Mexico last week, albeit that was a large scale stadium fight.

He told RTÉ Sport: "A lot of that is drummed up through the media. We have our own security wherever we go. To put it on notice, the security we have here is much much less, probably five times less, than the security we had in Guadalajara for the Canelo fight.

"This is a massive event for Dublin and Ireland so obviously the authorities will want to make sure it goes smoothly. It's an iconic sporting event. We feel comfortable. Everyone is excited and the fans are going to have a great night on Saturday.

"I can't believe we're here. We've done things the wrong way around. With everything she achieved this is something we would have normally done on her debut, early in her career or her first world title fight.

"To bring her here for