Katie Taylor 'hopeful' for trilogy fight against Chantelle Cameron in Ireland this summer

Katie Taylor promoters are “hopeful” of securing a stadium fight for her in Dublin this May as discussions continue between Croke Park and the Government.

Matchroom CEO Frank Smith is to meet with Taylor’s team while over here for Saturday’s fight night in Belfast, headlined by Lewis Crocker’s WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight title fight with Mexico’s Jose Felix.

Smith admits the busy sporting schedule in Dublin makes things difficult for a stadium show, but they are hoping a trilogy fight between Taylor and Chantelle Cameron can be nailed down for four months’ time.

“Conversations are ongoing between Croke Park and the Government,” he exclusively told Irish Star Sport. “The reality is these things don’t happen overnight.

“With any government around the world, it takes time, there’s a process to go through. Hopefully, we can do something.

Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron exchange punches during the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO World Super Lightweight Title fight between Chantelle Cameron and Katie Taylor at The 3Arena Dublin on November 25, 2023

“The key focus for us is to get Katie back in Dublin again. We promote both Katie and Chantelle obviously, and they’ve delivered two of the best nights of boxing I’ve seen in terms of fights and atmosphere and I think it would be great to see another one.

“It’s 1-1 between the two of them and I’m confident we can get it done.”

The cost of hiring Croke Park has scuppered previous attempts to secure a fight at GAA Headquarters, but there is hope that help from the Government could finally get an event over the line.

Talks have also been held between Matchroom and the Aviva Stadium, which stages the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 22.

Croke Park will likely host the Leinster football final on May 12 before Bruce Springsteen plays a gig at the venue seven days later.

“Obviously, looking at stadiums, there’s a busy schedule in Dublin as well,” added Smith.

“The Europa League final, the rugby…there’s so much going on, which does make it difficult.

“But the focus for us is finding a weekend that works, keeping both Katie and Chantelle active and I’m sure we’ll come up with some solution.”

Smith couldn’t give a percentage on the chances of a stadium fight taking place, but says Matchroom will do everything they can to make it happen.

“I don’t really ever give percentages,” he said. “It’s hard because we will do everything we can within our power to try and make it happen and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.

“We seen those two amazing nights at the 3Arena, I can’t quite imagine what a sold-out Croke Park would be like.

“Those two nights in the 3Arena are probably two of the best shows I’ve ever been at. We’ve done shows over the last 15 years all around the world so it just shows the level they’re at.

“We’re working as hard as possible and hopefully, we can get something done.”

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