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Unifying lightweight division the dream for Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor believes unifying the women's lightweight boxing division would be a bigger achievem...



Unifying lightweight division...
Other Sports

Unifying lightweight division the dream for Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor believes unifying the women's lightweight boxing division would be a bigger achievement than winning Olympic gold.

WBO, WBA and IBF champion Taylor faces WBC title holder Delfine Persoon in Madison Square Garden on Saturday night on the under-card of Anthony Joshua's American debut against Andy Ruiz Junior.

Bray fighter Taylor is aiming to become the first Irish boxer to be an undisputed champion across a weight division in the professional ranks.

"This is a fight I have always wanted.  To be fighting for the undisputed title in Madison Square Garden is absolutely phenomenal really.

"This journey has been incredible over the last few years and hopefully I will perform well on June 1.

"I cannot wait to write my name in the history books. Ever since I did turn pro, I wanted to become the undisputed champion, I wanted to make history in this sport and I am so close to it now.

Saturday's opponent Persoon has held the WBC strap since 2014 and is unbeaten in almost nine-years, Taylor knows what to expect at the Garden.

"Delfine Persoon is a fantastic champion, she has been a champion for numerous years now - a long-reigning champion. I think she has had 43 wins and one loss so she is an outstanding champion.

"That is why I have prepared so hard for this fight. I am expecting my toughest fight to date but I am ready for this challenge and I am ready to perform brilliantly on Saturday night.

"This is the pinnacle of the sport really - to become the undisputed champion of the world is the pinnacle of boxing.

"This would be the biggest night of my career so far. The Olympics in 2012 was absolutely outstanding but I think this night would even pass that out. This is definitely the biggest night of career and I can't wait for it."

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Delfine Persoon Katie Taylor Taylor