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‘A deal is in place’ – Lou DiBella explains Katie Taylor Amanda Serrano position

‘A deal is in place’ for the winner of Heather Hardy and Amanda Serrano to fight Katie Taylor Lou DiBella told Irish media today.

The New Yorker was in Dublin to announce his link up with now former amateur sensation Joe Ward and post explaining his plans for the Moate light heavyweight he took time discuss all things Taylor and Serrano.

The pair have been on a collision course for sometime now – and once the Olympic gold medal winner the defeated the seven weight world champion’s sister, Cindy, it looked like the wheels were in motion to build toward a meeting of two well known fighters.

However, Serrano has blown hot and cold with regard to the clash since. A fight Taylor herself often labels ‘the biggest fight female boxing at the present time’ again looked certain when the Puerto Rican agreed a three fight deal with DAZN which had a ‘fight Taylor’ clause.

At that point it looked like the Matchroom lightweight would complete the undisputed mission and finish the year off with a mega fight with the talented New York based fighter.

Yet Serrano, who has also competed in MMA, raised concerns again when she questioned that three fight contract and demanded more money.

Speaking in Ireland today DiBella , who promotes both New York based fighters, assured all potential issues have been sorted and once Serrano can overcome Irish American Hardy in a mouthwatering fight she will trade leather with Irish favourite.

“There will probably be an announcement this week on Hardy and Serrano for Heather’s title at 126lbs. It looks like that fight will be at the Theater at Madison Square Garden  on September 13 and the winner of that fight, no matter who wins, has a deal in place to fight Katie in the future. Right now both women Heather and Amanda have agreements were they would fight Katie,” DiBella confirmed.

When that deal will come into place remains to be seen. Since the turmoil Taylor’s manager Brian Peters, Eddie Hearn and indeed the undisputed lightweight champion herself have been talking about becoming a two weight world champ.

In that regard one of the three light welterweight champions look to be next. Former foe and now fellow Matchroom fighter Jessica McCaskill’s manager revealed she was willing to put her two straps on the line against the Bray native next – and has been touted by most as the next potential foe.

However, Irish-boxing.com surmises the Chicago native will be left for a two weight undisputed fight. Then there is the rematch with Delifine Persoon, which has grown into a massive clash meaning Taylor has options and the Serrano fight may be put on the long finger.

DiBella claims no time frame has been put on the fight, but can’t see it happening till late this year or early next.

“You’ll have to ask Katie and Brian too we are not the only one that makes that decision,” he responds when asked about time frame.

“My guess is the earliest you would see it is late this year or early next year. You wouldn’t see it before then, St Patrick’s weekend has a nice ring to it.”

When the fight is made the experienced promoter, who has worked with the  Andy Lee and Matthew Macklin, warns Taylor will be up against the biggest puncher in women’s boxing.

“As you saw with Persoon she is not undefeatable. Amanda and Katie is a super fight. I’ll tell you this I have never promoted a woman or even seen a women with the punching power of Amanda Serrano pound for pound. She is the biggest puncher in women’s boxing I have ever seen. Katie’s probably the best pure power, but if you were to look at anything in Katie’s armour that is an issue she doesn’t have a lot of power. So that is a match up of a boxing puncher versus a pure boxer. That is a dream match up.”

A Taylor fight is on the horizon, but for now DiBella urges fans to enjoy what should prove to be an entertaining and significant WBO featherweight clash between two New York residents.

“I am really excited about the Heather Amanda fight. First of all it will probably be the biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing in New York and one of the biggest fights female fights in the history of boxing in Ameicia. Both of those women are stars to the extent that there are stars in women’s boxing.”

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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