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‘Bloodthirsty savage’ and Ali v Frazier style fight await Katie Taylor in November

Katie Taylor [14(6)-0] will have to tame a ‘blood thirsty savage’ in a Joe Frazier versus Muhammad Ali styled fight if she is to become a two weight world title in London this November, according to Brian Cohen, the manager of her proposed opponent.

The undisputed lightweight champion of the world hasn’t officially been handed a date, nor has it been confirmed who she is scheduled to face in her first fight since she unified the entire lightweight division.

However, rumour and suggestions from Eddie Hearn have the Bray fighter moving up to light welterweight to challenge for a world title on the same November card as Billy Joe Saunders’ Matchroom debut in London.

Matchroom boss Hearn has also suggested Christina Linardatou [12(6)-1(0)] the WBO champion at the weight will be in the opposite corner next.

The Greek fighter’s manager confirmed to Irish-boxing.com that contact was made over a month ago, but revealed after the initial offer was rebuffed talks stopped. 

Still Linardatou, who made her first defense against DDP Sports DD Hobbs, is expected to next for the Irish sensation – and if the fight comes it will be tough night for Taylor and another exciting clash for the fans predicts ‘Medusa’s’ manager.

“Christina is an absolute animal. She has a very aggressive style and has matured in the last year. When outside the ring she is a very sweet lovable person but when that bell rings I’m not quite sure what happens inside her head she’s like a blood thirsty savage,” Brian Cohen told Irish-boxing.com.

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While the proposed meeting of world champs may not be all to pleasant for the Olympic gold medal winner and ground breaking Irish fighter, the fans are in for a treat according to the experience female fight manager.

Cohen believes the mix of styles could lead to a ‘super fight’ that could go down in female fight history.

“Katie is a tremendous boxer. She has a tremendous amateur pedigree. She’s very versatile and skilled. When you throw in Christina’s power, heart and determination you have the making of a female super fight.

“As a boxing fan I would be very excited for a fight like this. It’s very reminiscent of a Frazier and Ali or a Steve Collins versus Nigel Benn fight.”

While Cohen will obviously be supporting his fighter if the clash as expected does materialize he has massive respect for Taylor.

As a manager of 11 female fighters the American based boxing expert is probably as well versed as anyone to comment on the effect the amateur game changer has had on the pro ranks.

Cohen reveals Taylor has changed things up financially for the female fight fraternity and also claims their is no better ambassador for the sport.

“I manage 11 females who have amassed a total of 23 championships. Katie has definitely changed the financial landscape,” he adds. 

“The main changes on the female front would definitely be the purses, television and exposure. Katie has definitely helped in that sense.”

“I don’t think that [Irish fans] are biased. How can you not like Katie? She’s a hell off a boxer, ambassador but most of all a great person.

“She’s not a loudmouth to the affect that every time there is a camera in front of her face she doesn’t feel the need to tell everyone how great she is. She isn’t like another high profile female boxer who I won’t mention her name! 

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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