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Katie Taylor bites back at ‘disgraceful’ Persoon comments


Katie Taylor isn’t too impressed with how Delfine Persoon has carried herself post her defeat to the now undisputed lightweight world champion last month.

The Belgiam has been vocal with regard to her disgust at theĀ 96-94, 96-94, 95-95 points decision in Taylor’s favour in Madison Square Garden on June 1.Ā 

The former long-reigning WBC title holder and active police officer cried ‘robbery’, labelled the result a ‘disgrace’ and questioned how Taylor could call herself a champion.

While the initial comments were made in anger and with emotions high in the aftermath of the bout, which many did score in Persoon’s favour, but they continued in the weeks prior to the clash, as the tough and awkward operator called for a rematch.

 

There was respect between the pair before their now famous bout

The WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO world champ admits the bout was close and feels it was scored correctly.

Taylor does accept others may have leaned toward her opponent in terms of scoring a close bout, but is adamant ‘robbery cries’ are not just wide of the mark, but a disgrace.

“It was a very, very close fight and I came out as the undisputed champion and I felt like it was well deserved. It was a very, very tight fight of course. It was a tough battle regardless of whether people thought I won or she won. Everyone can agree that it was an absolute battle,” Taylor explained.

“I donā€™t think you can call tough fights like that ‘robberiesā€™ or ā€˜disgraceful decisionsā€™. Those remarks are a disgrace in themselves really.”

Eddie Hearn has revealed Team Persoon have been contacted with regard to a rematch, but out lined a three fight plan that see’s Taylor return in October in a light welterweight world title fight, before rematching the Belgian and going on to fight seven division champion Amanda Serrano.

By all accounts the undisputed champ would like a repeat with Persoon as soon as possible, but see’s no issue with Hearn and manager Brian Peters plan of action.

“That rematch is going to be inevitable thatā€™s for sure. At the same time, I would love to move up a weight and maybe become a multiple weight undisputed champion. Thatā€™s history-making right there.”

dpg

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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