Hogan added to Katie Taylor undercard for title defence

Dennis Hogan will fight in Ireland for the first-time as the Australian-based Kildare boxer defends his IBO super-welterweight world title against James Metcalf on the undercard of Katie Taylor's homecoming undisputed clash with Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena in May.

Hogan heads into his maiden defence of the IBO crown on a three-fight winning streak, most recently outpointing Sam Eggington over 12 rounds in Newcastle last October.

He had controversially lost out on points to Mexico’s Jaime Munguia in a challenge for the WBO version of the belt in April 2019 and jumped up to middleweight to take on WBC champion Jermall Charlo in his next fight but was stopped in seven rounds by the undefeated Texas fighter.

Metcalf (24-2, 15 KOs) halted Brooklyn’s Carl Pennington in six rounds in Leeds last time out in Decembee.

That win followed on from his impressive career-best showing against Kerman Lejarraga at the Bilbao Arena in Spain last summer. Hogan said: "I’m excited to be returning to Ireland to defend my world title against JJ Metcalf. This is a truly special moment for me, not only to be on the card with Katie Taylor who is an Irish superstar, but it will be the first time I will be fighting as a professional in Ireland."

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has promised a host of Irish boxers will get the opportunity to fight on home turf, starting with Hogan.

He stated: "Dennis Hogan against JJ Metcalf is another fantastic war for our monster 20 May event in Dublin.

"We’ve seen Dennis in with the likes of Jaime Munguia, Jermall Charlo and Tim Tszyu and he comes to fight every time. He returns home to fight in Ireland for the first time in his career in what will be a truly special night

"JJ deserves this huge opportunity after