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Katie Taylor immediately calls for Delfine Persoon Undisputed fight following Volante victory


Delfine Persoon [43(18)-1(1)] is the name and the WBC title is the prize Katie Taylor wants next.

The Wicklow woman destroyed Rose Volante in Philadelphia last night to add the WBO title to the WBA and IBF belts already in her collection and instantly set her sights on the only legitimate lightweight strap she hasn’t got.

Having stopped Volante inside nine rounds, Taylor [13(6)-0] is adamant that it’s now time to talk with the long reigning Belgian world title holder and the final piece of the undisputed jigsaw.

Eddie Hearn has being hinting that the first Irish three belt world champion will partake in an ‘all the belts’ clash with Persoon at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of the Joshua-Miller bill on June 1st.

Now, following another historic win, the Matchroom fighter said now it’s time to make that fight.

“Now we can start talking about that fight, Persoon,” stated Taylor in the ring afterwards in the closest thing to a call out.

“That name’s been coming up over the last two years. I’ve got the three belts, she’s got the WBC belt, so we have to get that fight on next.”

When ask if she prefer a mega clash with the likes of controversial seven-weight world champion Amanda Serrano or unified welterweight champ Cecilia Brækhus over Persoon Taylor was adamant she wants the Belgian’s belt. 

“My goal is to become the undisputed champion first and foremost. The fights with Amanda and Cecilia are a lot bigger when I have got the four belts.”

“So that fight with Persoon is a fantastic chance. She’s been a long-reigning champion for many years. That’s going to be a fantastic fight.”

“I would take Amanda Serrano or Cecilia Braekhus but I really want that last belt [first].”

On a display that saw Taylor land 51% of her power punches, the world champ said “I thought it was a great performance.

“Rose Volante is a very tough opponent,” she admitted.

“I knew she was going to come here to fight. I think she got the best out of me here tonight. Tonight we’ve definitely seen a great showcase for women’s boxing.”

The Brazilian did attempt to pressure Taylor early only to find herself on the floor in the first round – and the 32-year-old warns that she has more than just skill and speed in her arsenal.

Taylor explained how “[Volante] definitely had a bit of pop at the end of her punch, but I have a great chin and I can stand there and trade punches with anyone. I also have the power to hurt those girls.”

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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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