- Conor McGregor called Katie Taylor the boxing goat after Saturday’s win
- McGregor did not attend the event after slamming his country’s ‘lax border’
- Why Anthony Joshua turned down Deontay Wilder’s £40m offer The hook
Conor McGregor was quick to hail compatriot Katie Taylor after her victory over Chantelle Cameron on Saturday night, calling her the boxing GOAT and echoing the Bray Bomber’s call for a trilogy match.
Taylor earned a majority decision victory in Dublin (95-95, 98-92, 96-94) to avenge her only professional defeat, which came six months ago in the same city and regained her light-welterweight titles.
It was not without drama, however, with the home favorite hitting the deck in the first round, although the referee ruled it was a slip rather than a knockdown of the Brit.
McGregor was absent but there were still familiar faces in the crowd, with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and around 13,000 fans at the 3 Arena in the Irish capital.
The UFC legend announced he would not attend the fight after slamming his home country’s ‘lax borders’ following a stabbing in Dublin, with riots ensuing on Thursday evening.
Conor McGregor was quick to congratulate Katie Taylor on her victory on Saturday night
Taylor became an undisputed two-weight champion after regaining her titles from Chantelle Cameron
But he apparently cheered his compatriot on from afar and quickly posted a message celebrating the momentous occasion for Taylor on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘Two division, born and bred in Ireland, UNIFIED World Champions!’ he wrote, accompanied by a photo of the two fighters at a previous event.
‘Boxing and MMA GOATS. Trilogy Rematch at OUR weight in Croke Park. @Katie Taylor HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!’
Footage later emerged of McGregor’s reaction when Taylor was declared the winner. The UFC superstar watched the fight on TV in a pub in Dublin to cheers and claps.
Taylor’s victory saw her settle her score with Cameron, with a number of fans flocking to social media to celebrate an intriguing match, calling it a contender for fight of the year.
The home favorite came flying out of the blocks and made a much faster start than in May, looking for quick combinations as her opponent tried to work the jab.
Cameron – looking to dominate the center of the ring – suffered a nasty cut in the third round of their fight, with the fight temporarily halted so the doctor could check if she was fit to continue.
Cameron’s cut was checked again before the fifth, and both women went to battle soon after. However, the British star was left frustrated by the Bray Bomber for the win.
At the end of the 10th, Taylor almost went down again, but managed to hold her position, which likely proved crucial in scoring the tie.
The home favorite made a much faster start than when she was defeated six months ago
The fight – a contender for fight of the year – was scored 95-95, 98-92, 96-94 in Taylor’s favor
McGregor’s absence from the fight comes at a time of rioting in the Irish capital following a stabbing outside a school on Thursday.
A night of rioting ensued in the Irish capital, with around 500 people clashing with riot police, looting shops and setting fire to a double-decker bus.
McGregor responded with a series of messages on
His comments were condemned by ministers including Michael Martin, before the fighter accused them of ‘blaming someone but himself’.
Five people, including three children, were injured on Thursday when a knifeman attacked a group of youths in Dublin before being overpowered