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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Kevin Taylor

Katie Taylor crossover fight with MMA legend edges closer after Eddie Hearn comments

Katie Taylor has been backed for a crossover fight with MMA ace Cris Cyborg by promoter Eddie Hearn.

Brazilian Cyborg, 35, is the current Bellator Women's featherweight champion and has previously ruled the UFC's featherweight division.

Undisputed lightweight world champion Taylor, 34, is open to facing an MMA star like Cyborg in the boxing ring.

And Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn says it's a fight he wants to see.

"I'd like Katie Taylor against Cyborg," he said.

"I think that's a huge crossover fight, two of the biggest female stars in combat sport. Cyborg can box, she hits very, very hard. She's very dangerous. I like that fight as well.

"Katie is the easiest person to deal with, honestly. She just wants the biggest fights she can possibly get."

Bellator boss Scott Coker has given the green light to Cyborg if she fancies taking ona big boxing clash against the likes of Taylor.

"I would be thrilled. This is a goal that is important to Cyborg," he said.

Cris Cyborg (Getty Images North America)

"She told me a year ago when I signed her that she wanted to box and become a world champion in boxing.

"We have been approached by three or four females to fight, but while having a boxing title under her belt is something she wants to do, my request is - win, lose, or draw - when the boxing match is done, they reciprocate and come and have an MMA fight in the next six months.

"Then, in my view, it's fair. If this is something she [Cyborg] wants to do, we are going to support her."  

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