Headline News

NEW World title fight announced for Katie Taylor


A new world title fight has been confirmed for unified lightweight champion Katie Taylor [9(4)-0].

The WBA and IBF beltholder was in New York today for the big Matchroom USA and DAZN press conference to announce the fighters that have been signed up to the new venture and it has been revealed that Taylor will appear on the first U.S. show.

The inaugural DAZN-Matchroom card will be a simulcast of the Anthony Joshua v Anthony Povetkin heavyweight title clash at Wembley on September 22nd before the first American show on Saturday October 6th in Chicago.

Taylor will face Cindy Serrano [27(10)-5(0)] in the Windy City. The 36-year-old Puerto Rican is the older sister of five-weight champ Amanda, whom Taylor has been linked with recently, and is the current holder of the WBO featherweight title therefore stepping up two weight divisions to face the Bray legend.

‘Checkmate’ Serrano way back in 2003. Following three losses in a row she stepped away in 2008 before returning three years later at welterweight where she lost another two times.

Moving back down, she eventually claimed the WBO 126lbs title in December 2016 with a majority decision win over Calixta Silgado which she then defended versus Iranda Torres. She last fought, in a non-title bout, versus Edina Kiss back in October, winning an eight-round split-decision.

While the bout is being packaged as a world title defence, Taylor must first retain her belts next weekend in London.

The Wicklow fighter puts her titles on the line versus American Kimberley Connor [13(5)-3(1)-2] in London on Saturday July 28th at the O2 Arena in one of the chief support bouts for on the Dillian Whyte v Joseph Parker heavyweight pay-per-view card

The 32-year-old is a massive favourite for this bout and is expected to easily brush past the Texan who was beaten last year by Taylor’s most recent foe, Victoria Noelia Bustos.

The card in Chicago this Autumn, for which a venue is yet to be announced, will also include Demetrius Andrade, Jarrell Miller, Jessie Vargas, and an IBF light heavyweight title defence from Artur Beterbiev versus Callum Johnson.

Amanda Serrano [34(26)-1(0)-1], who last held a title at super bantam, has stated that she will face Taylor after her older sister.

dpg

logo may

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

x