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Katie Taylor has up to EIGHT fascinating options – Eddie Hearn not sure what’s next for Taylor

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Eddie Hearn claims there are up to eight different paths Katie Taylor [15(6)-0] can explore next, pointing out it will be ‘fascinating’ deciding which one she should take.

The undisputed lightweight champion of the world ticked another achievement box last night, as she joined Steve Collins and Carl Frampton on the list of Irish two-weight world champions, thanks to victory over Christina Linardatou on the top of a Manchester Arena bill.

According to the Matchroom boss, the unanimous points win opens a host more avenues to explore, meaning there will have to be some major discussions before the next move is decided upon.

It was believed that big time opponents rather than major achievements would be targeted next – and as a result Amanda Serrano looked the most likely opponent. Indeed, the much talked about ‘mega fight’ was meant to have been signed and sealed.

However, with news breaking the seven weight world champion close to agreeing a January fight with Jelena Mrdjenovich, Delfine Persoon moved into ‘next up’ pole. Hearn was content enough to discuss a possible pay per view fight with the Belgian, who gave Taylor the toughest fight of her pro career to date, in the build up to the Linardatou clash.

Celica Braekhus was also signed by Matchroom in the week leading into Taylor’s two weight world title bid and a historic fight between two undisputed fighters is also on the to do list.

Personally, Hearn would prefer to see the ground breaking star target undisputed status at a second weight, which would most likely mean a rematch with unified light welterweight world champion Jessica McCaskill.

However, the decision will be a team one and Hearn seems genuinely excited about plotting the correct strategy moving forward.

“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.”

Serrano has been the name dropped most by the Irish sporting great over the last 12 months, but the two weight world champ now seems genuinely wide eyed as to the possibilities.

In fact she was open with regard to admitting she doesn’t what her next move preference is. What the Ross Enamait fighter does know is, she is excited to be in the position she is in.

It is a big change from this time 12 months ago when her manager, Brian Peters was calling on potential opponents to play their part in increasing fan demand for certain fights and ensuring those fights would be massive events.

“It is great actually there is no shortage of huge fights out there for me. When I first sat down with Eddie Hearn a few years ago we didn’t really know what way this journey would go. To see so many options, so many big fights out there, big headline fights, history-making fights, is very, very exciting,” Taylor added before Enamait played the protective coach role and all but called for those asking the questions to allow the Wicklow woman enjoy another landmark achievement.

“[She] just got out of this one. Got to sit down and think.”

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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