Katie Taylor vows to ‘shut everyone up’ by convincingly defeating Delfine Persoon
Katie Taylor [14(6)-0] is determined to ‘shut everyone up’ by rematching Defline Persoon and beating the Belgian more convincingly next time round.
The Bray fighter earned undisputed lightweight world champion status when she defeated Persoon in New York in June to add the WBC title to the WBA, WBO and IBF straps she took into the undisputed fight.
The highly entertaining clash was close and in some quarters the result was seen as controversial.
Some argued the majority 95-95, 96-94, 96-94 should have went the way of Persoon rather than the Olympic gold medal winner.
Police officer Persoon, was one of those calling robbery, she lodged a complaint with the WBC and has voiced rematch desires since.
Team Taylor are happy to move on, set more milestones and make massive ground breaking fights.
However, the Irish sensation is adamant she wants a repeat. Speaking in Manchester this week, as she officially launched the world title fight Irish-boxing.com confirmed last month, the 33-year-old stated she won a close fight. Indeed, the four belt world title holder labelled ‘robbery’ claims a ‘disgrace’.
She also revealed she wanted a rematch to stick it to the critics.
“It [the Persoon fight] was a touch-and-go fight, an all-out war really for 10 rounds, probably one of the most exciting fights I’ve ever been involved in, probably a bit too exciting for my liking,” Taylor said at the press conference.
“It’s every fighter’s dream to become the undisputed champion, that is the pinnacle of the sport right there, so I was very, very excited.
“To call the fight a robbery is an absolute disgrace in itself really. I am well aware it was a very close fight and that is why it is a fight that deserves a rematch as well.
“I’m not one for ducking or diving any challenge, I think my career has shown that so far. I love the big fights and I can’t wait for that rematch, to kind of set the story straight really.
“I look forward to beating her a lot more convincingly, to shut everyone up basically!
“I was always aware it was going to be a very close fight and I overcame that. I came away with all the belts and deservedly so.”
The rematch won’t happen immediately as the Brian Peters managed fighter will bid to become a two-weight world champion on November 2nd when she faces WBO super-lightweight title-holder Christina Linardatou in Manchester.
Win that bill topping Sky Sports and DAZN broadcast fight and the mega fight with controversial Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano looks likely for early spring.
Persoon would then be the target and another massive Summer showdown should take place.
