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Another historic night – Eddie Hearn hints to what’s next for Katie Taylor

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When he Eddie Hearn revealed there were eight options to be explored before deciding whats next for Katie Taylor [15(6)-0] it seems he was just speaking in terms of opponent.

While the who remains uncertain – just because there are so many good options – and the what in terms of weight and titles is unclear, the Matchroom boss did give a strong indication as to the where and the when with regard to the two weight world champion’s ring return.

Speaking after Taylor joined Steve Collins and Carl Frampton on the list of Ireland’s two weight world champions, thanks to victory over Christina Linardatou in Manchester on Saturday, Hearn suggested the Bray fighter could be the catalyst for another history making boxing moment.

The promoter revealed American streaming service DAZN are keen to run an all female card in 2020.

The well funded broadcasters, who are working their way to major player status in boxing, want the undisputed lightweight champion and WBO light welterweight title holder to headline that card and they want to card to take place in New York on March 7, the day before International Women’s Day.

“DAZN have actually said there’s an International Women’s Day on March 7th in America. They’d like to run an all-female card for the first time with Katie headlining. It’s the week before St Patrick’s Day,” Hearn explained.

So it’s most likely the ground breaking Irish sporting icon will next be seen Stateside in the spring.

Against whom remains to be seen. Amanda Serrano was due to be next and the Brooklyn based Puerto Rican would be an ideal New York opponent, but that one may be left to simmer. The rematch with Delfine Persoon is also on the agenda, but that has been discussed for the Summer, whilst Celcia Breakhaus will happen, but again March would seem too soon for that one.

There is most likely some preferred routes, but Hearn seemed genuinely perplexed as to who Taylor will fight next. The Matchroom head honcho claimed there are up to eight different doors to choose from after Saturday’s win.

“There is so much more to do. The tough thing is what do you do next. She has got about eight different options. It is just choosing the right one,” Hearn told press after the Manchester Arena win.

“There are so many opportunities to create history. Some of the things to tick off, unifying at 140. Being undisputed at 140. The first-ever undisputed world champion’s fighting each other in Cecilia Braekhus against Taylor.

“Headlining her own card at Madison Square Garden against Amanda Serrano. the rematch with Delfine Persoon. There are so many different options.

“It is going to be really interesting to sit down and see which one you go for. For me, I would love to see here become a two-weight undisputed world champion but again, everyone wants the Serrano. Everyone wants the Persoon fight. Everyone wants the Braekhus fight.

“It is such a great situation to be in. it is just about plotting a strategy. Ultimately that is down to Katie and Ross and Brian. We come in and say these are all the opportunities. It is fascinating.”

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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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