Back in November, when Dylan Moran emerged victorious over David Bency in Guardamar del Segura, he probably wasn't expecting his phone to ring with an invite to go sparring with Conor McGregor.
The Deise pugilist had just claimed a 15-1 professional record, 7 of those wins coming by knockout. He had spent his year much like everybody else, isolated and away from the day-to-day activities.
In February 2020, he claimed his 13th win through a knockout of Ferenc Hafner - only for the momentum to be broken by a seven month lockdown.
His return came against Israel Munoz in Spain - Moran got the result he wanted, moving to 15-1. That was soon followed by fight number sixteen against Bency.
While he sat in his hotel in Spain, mostly unmarked from his bout the previous night, his phone rang for the umteenth time - only this call wasn't the usual "Well done, great fight" kind of call. this time it was, "Do you fancy coming to Portugal to spar Conor McGregor?"
Moran says "Obviously I didn't have to think twice about it".
A week later he was flying to Portugal to join the McGregor camp as the Dubliner prepares for his upcoming rematch with Dustin Poirier in Dubai.
That's where the Waterford native is now, sunning himself in the Dubai sunshine during the day and putting in rounds at nighttime in the gym with the man from Crumlin.
Have a listen below for the full chat
