KATIE TAYLOR’S DREAM to become the undisputed lightweight champion of the world is now just one fight away after Friday night.
The 32-year-old took care of Brazilian Rose Volante at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia to add the WBO belt to her WBA and IBF titles.
In a thrilling encounter, Taylor overcame Volante thanks to a ninth-round stoppage and there is just one piece of the jigsaw left for the Bray superstar — with Belgium’s Delfine Persoon in possession of the WBC crown.
“The road to undisputed is still on — Delfine Persoon is the one I want next, and the Anthony Joshua undercard would be absolutely perfect,” said Taylor.
“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.”
Hearn’s hope is make that mouth-watering match-up for the undercard of Joshua’s heavyweight defence against Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden on 1 June.
In the meantime, here is Taylor’s latest bout in full in case you missed it:
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Unfortunately the link says video unavailable. Any other links to it?
You have to feel a bit for Volante. Whilst Katie had definitely turned the screw it does seem the ref ended it after an accidental headbutt from Taylor shattered Volante’s nose. 29:37 on the video.
@David Hickey: I agree, the ref was thinking about ending it after R8, he went to Volantes corner. I’d be confident saying the ref didn’t see the contact with Katie but Volante seemed to wipe her nose off the ref’s chest and when he saw the blood gushing he ended it.
I wish u guys would put up a video I can watch in New Zealand
@Willie Murphy: You could use a VPN
Fair play to her, hope she make undisputed and then enjoys a few easy fights as she’s beaten all around and then enjoy retirement as one of the best in the game.