Headline NewsOpponent Watch

Team McCaskill predict “early night” aginst Katie Taylor


Jessica McCaskill‘s manager and coach is confident that his fighter has the desire and the dig to dethrone new WBA lightweight champion Katie Taylor [7(4)-0].

The Wicklow boxer won her maiden world title on Saturday night in Cardiff, defeating Anahi Esther Sanchez, and has a quick turnaround for her first defence – headlining a show in London on Friday December 15th.

An opponent for this fight has not been confirmed – however McCaskill [5(3)-1(0)] has been the name most mentioned by Taylor’s team.

The Chicago fighter has called for a fight with Taylor over the past year, and promoter Eddie Hearn now wants to bring over McCaskill for the voluntary defence next month.

Indeed the Matchroom boss revealed that he had contacted Ricardo Ramos, manager and coach of McCaskill, with a view to making the fight.

Ramos confirmed to Irish-Boxing.com that he “did not receive an official offer. Mr. Hearn asked if I was interested. I said yes.”

He was an interested observer of the fight on Saturday and, while he rates Taylor, Ramos believes that McCaskill has the power to properly punish the Irishwoman’s occasionally leaky defence.

“Katie is obviously talented,” admitted Ramos. “She looked good.”

“I think if she lets Jessica hit that much, she is in for a long night – or an early night!”

While McCaskill, like every other active fighter, would be a massive underdog against Taylor, Ramos feels that she has the determination and the confidence to take a scalp against the amatueur legend.

“Jessica had a tough childhood. She has been through a lot, even being homeless,” noted the coach.

“She is hungry, punches very hard and, she believes she belongs at this level.”

“We are excited for this opportunity.”

dpg

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

x