KATIE TAYLOR’S NEXT fight is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, one which could see her fulfill her dream of becoming the undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
It’s being reported that the Bray icon will officially attempt to unify all divisions in by taking on Belgium’s Delfine Persoon at Madison Square Garden on 1 June.
Reports in Irish media state that the highly-anticipated showdown with Persoon has been fully confirmed on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jarred Miller in New York — but those reports are premature.
The reports come after 34-year-old Persoon appeared at a press conference in Belgium today where she ‘signed the contract’ and ‘confirmed’ the fight, but The42 understands that it’s not a done deal as of yet.
After 32-year-old Taylor saw off Brazilian Rose Volante in Philadelphia in March, she added the WBO belt to her IBF and WBA titles. Persoon is in possession of the WBC crown, so of course it’s the next step.
“The road to undisputed is still on — Delfine Persoon is the one I want next, and the Anthony Joshua undercard would be absolutely perfect,” as Taylor said after the Volante fight Stateside.
“It’s exactly what I want. When I first sat down with Eddie [Hearn] and Brian [Peters] a few years ago, I said I wanted to become the undisputed champion. That’s always been my goal since I have turned pro.
“That would be absolutely historic. That would be equal to winning the Olympic gold medal for me, I think.”
- With reporting from Gavan Casey
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