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Promoter Eddie Hearn admits time running out on Croke Park deal for Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron III

Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron look likely to clash for a third time in 12 months
Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron look likely to clash for a third time in 12 months

Katie Taylor's promoter Eddie Hearn has stressed focus will turn away from Croke Park shortly with no agreement on a long-awaited bout at the venue.

The Bray boxer become a two-weight undisputed world champion when avenging a loss to Chantelle Cameron last November at the 3Arena in Dublin.

The clashes with Cameron sold out the venue on both occasions and grossed over €2million in ticket sales.

A third bout has been mooted to settle the rivalry once and for all and in doing so creating the biggest female fight of all-time.

Previous negotiations for Croke Park failed after Matchroom Boxing claimed costs were too high to make it financially viable and have been ongoing in recent weeks in a second attempt.

Croke Park stadium director Peter McKenna told RTÉ Sport this week that talks are ongoing with Matchroom and Taylor's manager Brian Peters, while advisory firm Grant Thornton were also involved in trying to help seal a deal.

McKenna said only a few dates were available or suitable to stage a fight and that nothing definitive had been decided.

Hearn has earmarked May for a return to the ring for the champion, meaning there is just over three months to go and realistically a few weeks to make an agreement.

As a result he has admitted that alternatives to Croke Park are becoming more realistic.

Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn said: "Talks go on and on and on and eventually you're in February now and Katie's next fight is in May. So we have to make a move.

"There is a chance we could return to the 3Arena.

"For us we still like the idea of fighting Chantelle Cameron. We'd like to do that outdoors. You have to lock something in at some point. We've had two incredible nights at the 3Arena. It could be a third."

There is also the possibility Taylor may return to America having already headline in Madison Square Garden and knowing there is a large audience in cities with an Irish fanbase.

"We've had offers from the around the world," Hearn revealed.

"There is a chance she could fight internationally and of course there is America.

"A fight for Katie Taylor in America is a huge thing, particularly on the east coast. She also has aspiration to fight in Las Vegas.

"You could take her to Boston, Philadelphia, New York. She sells out everywhere. She has a lot of options."

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