Katie Taylor predicts ‘fantastic’ Persoon will force her to produce her best

There is no doubt about it according to Katie Taylor [13(6)-0], Delfine Persoon [43(18)-1 (1)] represents her toughest test to date.

The 32 year old has been in the pro ring 13 times and been involved in no fewer than seven world title fights deposing two world champions en route to collecting three belts.

To add a fourth world title and become undisputed lightweight champion of the world, Taylor believes she will have to defeat the best fighter she has fought since turning over.

The Belgian is by far the most experienced boxer the Bray native has agreed to face. Persoon has been WBC world champion for nine years and has made nine successful defenses. The former European champion has only lost once in 44 fights and has stopped 18 of her opponents.

All these components has well as some extra homework have lead Taylor to conclude Saturday represents not only the biggest fight, but the hardest fight of her career.

“This fight is definitely the hardest fight of my career,” Taylor said.

“Delfine Persoon is a fantastic champion. She has 43 wins and one defeat, she has been champion for nine years now and she is a fantastic person and champion. I know it’s the toughest fight of my career and that is why I have trained so hard for this fight. I have had a quiet camp and I am just completely focused on this fight for the time being.

“I think it’s going to be a very very difficult fight. I have watched clips of her she is very awkward, very physical, very tall and she punches non stop for the 10 rounds.”

While the long reigning champ won’t hand the Irish favourite the title on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s American debut, Taylor is confident of dethroning the champ to add the WBC strap to the IBF, WBA and WBO titles she already owns.

“It’s a very big challenge for me, but these are the kind of challenges I wanted. I do feel on June 1 I will be prepared for the challenge and it’s going to bring the best out of me. Still she is a great champion and I have the utmost respect for her and come June 1 we will lay it all on the line and may the best girl win.”