IT’S LIKE A FAIRYTAYL
American says it’s a dream to be fighting Katie but chances are it will quickly turn into a nightmare
AMERICAN lightweight Kimberly Connor admits she’s the “absolute underdog” against Katie Taylor in London tonight.
But the Texas-born fighter believes she can pull off a shock and return home with her opponent’s IBF and WBA belts safely stashed away.
Unbeaten Bray superstar Taylor meets Connor on the Dillian Whyte versus Joe Parker undercard at the O2 Arena in her 10th paid outing.
Eddie Hearn, Taylor’s promoter, described Connor as the mandatory challenger – and in the smoke and mirrors world of prizefighting, that’s probably technically true.
But the American is approaching her 38th birthday and hasn’t boxed since last July, so it’s hard to see how she’s the mandatory for anything, except perhaps retirement.
As it is, the Arkansas-based fighter, whose family have roots in Tipperary, has vowed to make the most of a dream opportunity.
But the harsh reality of Taylor’s talent is likely to assert itself early tonight and many are predicting a win inside the distance for the Wicklow orthodox.
“It’s a whole new world for me over here, said Connor yesterday.
“She’s accomplished a lot in women’s boxing and I have a lot of respect for her. I feel like this is the boxer’s dream. I’m the absolute underdog in this situation and she’s got the titles.
“I want to be able to overcome that and take home the belts,” added the American, who has won 13, lost three and drawn two of her 18 bouts so far.
Both women beat Jasmine Clarkson last year, Taylor stopping the Texan in Brooklyn a few weeks after Connor earned a points decision over her in Baton Rouge.
But Taylor will be aiming to match Amanda Serrano’s second round stoppage of Connor in New York in 2011 before turning her attention to a slated meeting with Seranno’s sister Cindy in Chicago in September.
Amanda – the more formidable of the siblings – has accused Taylor of avoiding her and is a likely opponent in the near future.
The 2012 Olympic champion is aiming to unify the lightweight division so it’s vital that she extends her winning streak into double figures in Greenwich tonight.
“I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. Kimberly is coming in as a hungry challenger, I can’t wait for it,” said Taylor.
Elsewhere on the undercard, unbeaten Dubliner Craig O’brien, inset, (8-0-0) faces undefeated Merseysider Anthony Fowler (6-0-0).