Conor McGregor ramps up prep for Poirier rematch
![UP NEXT]()
UP NEXT
Conor McGregor's sparring partner Willo Hayden has turned pro in boxing just months after calling out Khabib Nurmagomedov for a fight.
11-time national champion of Ireland and European Schoolboys gold medallist Hayden made the news in January for his war of words with former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib.
The 19-year-old sparred with McGregor ahead of his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, helping the Notorious to train the boxing element of his preparations.
But he will be sharing the ring with aspiring boxers from now on as he begins his journey into the pro game, which will begin with moving to England to train and starting of with around six fights year, Hayden says.
Under the watchful eye of promoter Frank Warren, Hayden is said to have fought on over 300 amateur bouts, while he is undefeated in 45 championship fights in Ireland.
Warren announced of his latest addition on Twitter : "Young Willo isn't afraid to show where his allegiances lie either, having once threatened to make Khabib Nurmagomedov 'quit like a chicken'Face screaming in fear
"We look forward to seeing this signed up member of Team McGregor wreak havoc on the pro game."
© Getty ImagesUFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at a news conference after defending his title in a bout against interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier at the UFC 242 mixed martial arts tournament.
Khabib rubbed up Hayden the wrong way by describing him as a "little kid" by slating McGregor's training methods ahead of the Poirier rematch.
The Russian tweeted: "This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality."
But the fiery teenager bit back, writing: "How about you back up your mouth and organise a time and a location for me to fight you.
"I'm only a 'little kid' so this should be no problem for you? I can guarantee you that I will make you quit like the chicken you are.
"From your own words, 'Die like a samurai, don't chicken out please'. Now all you have to do is put your own words into action."
Hayden's first fight is yet to be determined, but Warren says that he will have an update when the time is right.
He said; "We will deliver the right fights for him at the right time and I am sure boxing fans will enjoy watching his development and progression towards title contention."