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Eddie Hearn’s world title roadmap for Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor [3(2)-0] will box for a world title in four fights time if Eddie Hearn’s roadmap goes to plan.

The Wicklow lightweight put on a stunning performance last night in London, stopping Monica Gentili in the fifth round on the Haye-Bellew undercard at the O2 Arena.

It was a high-profile win for Taylor in what turned out to be the chief support bout on the card.

While it was just her third pro fight, many believe that the Bray fighter could box for a world title in the very near future – in fact some felt that Taylor had the technical ability to fight for a title on her debut.

However, with Hearn wanting to build the Irishwoman’s profile as well as have Taylor acclimatise to the pro game, a few more fights will first have to take place.

Indeed, Hearn is eyeing three more fights before a world title homecoming at the 3Arena in Dublin around September.

The first of these will be on the Jorge Linares v Anthony Crolla card at the Manchester Arena on March 25th. Then it will be an appearance on the Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko pay-per-view undercard at Wembley Stadium on April 29th.

Speaking after the win, Hearn outlined how “she’s got to learn and Gentili was tough again. She needs to get some rounds in the bag. It’s good to get that many rounds.”

“We’re going to box again on the Anthony Crolla-Jorge Linares card in Manchester in three weeks time, maybe Wembley as well,then once in the States and then I think she’s ready for a world title.”

“Maybe an eight rounder as well thrown in and then I think it’s a matter of time now before she challenges for a world title. She’s so exciting to watch, we’re enjoying the journey, closing in on that world title.”

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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