Taylor sets out to show Persoon ‘beyond doubt’ she is still world’s finest
H Irish lightweight goes into rematch after narrowest of wins h Belgian opponent surprised great rival agreed to the bout
Katie Taylor risks all the world lightweight belts for a second time against Delfine Persoon tonight, with the sole purpose of “proving beyond any doubt” that the undefeated, undisputed champion is the queen of the 135lb division.
In their first meeting in June 2019 – a thrilling, brutal 10-round battle – Taylor clung on to her belts, claiming the bout by majority decision, 96-94 twice and 95-95, after a contest in which neither of the protagonists took a backward step. It was breathtaking.
Taylor told she was “looking for a career-best performance” against the toughest opponent she has faced in this rematch.
She prepared for the contest with Persoon in rural Connecticut for five months, until flying to the UK last week.
“This is a legacy-building fight for me and Delfine,” explained Taylor, the former Olympic champion, who is undefeated in 15 fights.
“We’re both in this sport to prove we’re the best. You have two fighters here that absolutely believe they are going to win. That’s what makes this such a fantastic fight. I want to be involved in the biggest fights and that’s why I wanted this rematch.”
Persoon, from Roeselare, Belgium, is a policewoman by day who trains fellow officers in special weapons and tactics.
She has an accomplished record of
44 victories and
Tough: Katie Taylor is unbeaten in 15 bouts two defeats, with 18 knockouts. She demonstrated at Madison Square Garden 14 months ago in front of 20,000 fans she was the Irishwoman’s equal. Physically tough, and a relentless pressure fighter, Persoon forced Taylor into her kind of fight. Now challenging Taylor for the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organisation and Magazine lightweight world titles, Persoon said: “It’s up to me to prove I deserve the titles. In New York, for us, it was not the correct decision [by the judges]. It’s up to me to prove that was wrong. We were very surprised Katie is taking this risk.” If there is pressure on Taylor, the 34-year-old has not shown it inside the Fight Camp bubble as the women have brushed shoulders all week. Taylor said: “It’s different and weird not being able to leave the hotel, but I’m fully focused on the fight. Crossing paths with your opponent is definitely strange. More like the amateur days in that sense. But I’m trying to soak it all up and enjoy the experience.” Taylor will try to box smart this time – though she loves a tear-up. “When you step into the ring, you’re trying to make the fight as easy as possible for yourself. Unfortunately, sometimes I do stand and fight too much. The plan is to be more disciplined this time,” she said. Expect Taylor to box adroitly, using her footwork early, but by the middle rounds it is likely to be a similar fight to their New York blockbuster, with Taylor retaining the crown on another close points decision.
Taylor v Persoon is live on Sky Box Office from 7pm tonight