Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TAYLOR’S EARLY RETURN IN FIRST TITLE DEFENCE
KATIE TAYLOR has no concerns over her preparations for a surprise fight in London next month, as the WBA champion prepares to return to training just one week after her world title victory.
Former Olympic champion Taylor claimed her first professional world title in Cardiff last weekend, recording a dominant lightweight points win over Argentina’s Anahi Esther Sanchez.
A cut over Taylor’s right eye had looked likely to rule the 31-year-old out of action until the new year, but promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Brian Peters yesterday revealed she will make the first defence of her title next month.
“I’m definitely feeling tired, but I have a few days off to relax and I’ll be back in camp nice and fresh next week,” said Taylor at yesterdy’s homecoming in
Dublin’s Irish Film Institute.
“I love to stay busy and have a fight to focus on. It’s going to be a great end to the year… and having the opportunity to headline a show is LIVE RACING COMMENTARIES AND RESULTS with Sports Radio incredible. I can’t wait,” added the 31-year-old, who is due to return to the Connecticut base of US trainer Ross Enamait this weekend.
Taylor’s London bout looks set to take place on December 15, live on Sky Sports, with Chicago’s Jessica Mccaskill – who carries a 5-1 record – a “first choice” opponent, according to manager Peters.
After seven professional bouts in less than a year culminated in her title win, the plan leaves Taylor with little recovery time.
Peters insisted he has no concerns about the 31-year-old’s quick ring return.
“I suppose, initially straight after the fight the eye was swollen [we were unsure],” said the Meath man. “But the cut isn’t actually that deep and a good opportunity came along to headline a show on Sky.”
A US bout is likely to take place early in 2018, but looking further ahead to a long-awaited homecoming bout, Peters claimed a spring unification fight in
Dublin’s 3 Arena or the RDS is the most likely option in March or April.
And promoter Hearn insisted he is keen is keen to capitalise on Taylor’s impressive performance last weekend.
“We have everything in play, but we have to come to Dublin in 2018 there is no doubt about that,” said Hearn.