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Common opponent backs Katie Taylor to have no problems with Nina Meinke

Katie Taylor [4(2)-0] wont be the first Irishwoman that Nina Meinke has faced.

The Bray lightweight takes on Meinke [5(2)-0] at Wembley Stadium on Saturday on the Joshua-Klitschko undercard, and a common opponent of the pair has backed Taylor to prevail.

Alanna Nihell (née Audley Murphy) fought the Berliner in an Elite International Round Robin in Wittenberg, Germany back in March 2014, and the Commonwealth Games bronze medalist believes Taylor will be too strong on Saturday night.

Nihell, who boxed Taylor back in 2001 in the first ever sanctioned Irish women’s bout, suffered something of a dodgy decision just over two years ago, however she can’t envision Matchroom’s Taylor having much trouble on the big pay-per-view card.

The Belfast boxer, older sister to current pro prospect Lewis Crocker, told Irish-Boxing.com that “I think Katie will have no problem with Nina. She’s a good boxer but Katie will be be a bit too much for her I think.”

“I remember pressuring her and just pushing her back and she wasn’t a big puncher from what I can remember.”

“What I do remember when I boxed her, it was made a draw, a draw in Germany boxing a German says it all really,” laughed Nihell

The 31 year old also believes that a mooted move to three minute rounds will greatly benefit ferocious bodypuncher Taylor. The Wicklow woman had called for three minute rounds last month, and the BBBoC have sanctioned Nicola Adam to fight over the longer distance next month.

Most agree that a move in line with the men’s game is a forward step, however there has been some resistance, most notably from WBC president Mauricio Sualiaman.

Nihell explained that a change to longer rounds is necessary and that “that’s when we are going get to see how Katie can take them out quicker. Three minute rounds will give her enough time to settle and up the pace when she needs to do it.”

“Two minute rounds aren’t long enough. These girls are being saved by the bell with these two minute rounds when they are boxing against her.”

LISTEN: Mick Conlan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 4 of The Irish Boxing Show

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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