Eddie Hearn believes Conor McGregor will skip Katie Taylor’s rematch with Chantelle Cameron on Saturday night.
The UFC superstar sponsored their last fight and was sitting in the front row alongside Hearn as his compatriot fell to her first career defeat against Cameron.
McGregor supported Taylor before and after her homecoming defeatCredit: Getty
McGregor was seen with his head in his hands after Taylor suffered a majority decision loss in May – but she’ll have the chance to put things right at Dublin’s 3Arena on Saturday night.
‘Notorious’ is once again sponsoring the fight through his Forged Irish Stout beer company and he was supposed to be ringside cheering on Taylor as she bids to become a two-weight undisputed champion.
However, the man promoting the show is not expecting him to attend.
“I don’t believe he is attending the event,” Hearn told Virgin Media.
McGregor has been fixated on the violence that flared in the Irish capital after three children and a school care assistant were injured in a knife attack in the city centre on Thursday.
The 35-year-old has voiced his opinions on what’s going on and they have been branded ‘absolutely disgraceful’ by Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Micheál Martin.
Hearn was careful with his words as he addressed McGregor’s recent social media activity and the violence that has occurred in Dublin.
He added: “I don’t speak on his behalf, but he’s obviously someone that has his own views like everybody has. I don’t believe so (that he will be there), but for us, we just focus on the event.
‘Notorious’ made his presence felt at Taylor’s first fight with CameronCredit: @EbanieBridges – Twitter3Hearn doesn’t expect a repeat appearance this weekendCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“Obviously, we come to Dublin with the aim to grow the sport in this country and continue the great work that Katie Taylor has done, and it is a celebration for Irish sport.”
The Matchroom Boxing chairman is confident his event will go ahead as planned and provide the people of Ireland with a much-needed reason to celebrate.
Hearn said: “We will follow developments and will take instructions, but for me, I think this is an opportunity for positivity.
“You’re talking about one of your greatest ever role models and iconic figures of sport.
“This is a celebration of boxing. This is a celebration of Irish sport as well so as always, we follow the situation.”
“We don’t think it will affect the event and we hope that we can go ahead positively with a great event.”