Irish-Aussie world champion boxer wants to defend his title against Conor McGregor

Irish-Aussie IBO super-welterweight champion Denis Hogan has called his shot for a title defence against Conor McGregor. 

Hogan, who currently resides in Queensland, Australia, finally claimed a world title against Sam Eggington by split decision in Newcastle. 

The 37-year-old had fought for the WBA interim strap and WBO title but had never had his hand raised at the end of those contests.

Now that he has reached the top of the mountain, Hogan is eyeing a huge match-up against fellow Irishman and combat sports superstar Conor McGregor.

Speaking before his win against Eggington, Hogan said: “If I win, the first thing I will do is get in touch with [Coach Kavanagh] and say ‘Is there any chance Conor may want this?'

"I would love to go back to Ireland and have a title defence there."

It would signal a homecoming for Hogan who hasn’t fought in Europe since 2015 when he lost the WBA interim-title bout.

The boxer has been based in Australia for the majority of his professional career, where he has fought the likes of Tim Tszyu and Tommy Browne. 

He says he is due a ‘homecoming’ for his first defence of the title.

He continued: “I am due a homecoming, I haven’t fought in Ireland since my amateur days, so it would be great to go back there and defend my title.”

The Sun reports that Hogan’s management team had already been in discussions with McGregor’s side over a homecoming fight. 

The Notorious one certainly has no short of suitors for a return to the octagon or into the ring.

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor could be set to complete a trilogy of fights across both MMA and boxing in a mammoth $1.5 billion (AU$2.6b, £1.3b) deal.

The Sun reports that Money’s team are currently in talks with the Irishman’s side in a two-fight contract that would see the pair meet again between the ropes, followed by a meeting in the octagon.

Both matches will be for the official undefeated record of Mayweather’s, according to an insider at The Sun. 

It is believed the bouts will both take place next year in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia if the contracts are drawn up.

While money is most certainly a huge factor for the Irishman, the chance to fight for a world boxing title in his home country could be enough to entice the UFC star.

Featured Image Credit: dpa picture alliance / Alamy. Sipa US / Alamy.

Topics: Boxing, Conor McGregor, UFC, MMA

Jayden Collins

Jayden Collins is a Journalist at SPORTbible. He has worked across multiple media platforms in areas such as sport, music, pop culture, entertainment and politics. He is part of the editorial team for LADbible Australia.