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Persoon explores Tokyo 2020 Olympic options – suggests Taylor isn’t rematch keen

Delfine Persoon [43(18)-2(1)] may be more likely to face either of the Irish Olympic lightweight hopefuls – Kellie Harrington or Amy Broadhurst – than Katie Taylor [14(6)-0] in 2020.

The former long reigning WBC lightweight world champion revealed she was exploring her Olympic options at present – and suggested if Belgian government funding came her way she would try and qualify for the next Olympiad.

Persoon has previously lamented the fact the Olympics were never an option for her, but the timing of her choice seems strange.

The 34-year-old received by far her biggest career purse in June when she took on Katie Taylor in the by now famous undisputed clash.

Her performance and the fact some feel she was hard done by against the Irish sensation means she is a genuine rival for the trail blazing female fight star. Team Taylor and Matchroom are lining up a massive rematch in late spring or early Summer – and there are those suggesting if built properly the return could top a pay per view card.

However, it seems Persoon isn’t listening to the sound-bytes. The former world champ claims no contact with regard a repeat has been made, so she is looking at fighting in the amateurs with an eye on Olympic success.

“[Taylor] already has four fights on the agenda and nobody contacted us. As long as that does not happen, there will of course be no rematches,” Persoon said before discussing possibly Toyko participation. 

“We are still looking at whether I will participate,” she continues.

“I want to bring my own trainer to the qualifiers in London, but then I have to pay everything myself from the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) and that makes a difference. Participating in the Olympic Games would be a great opportunity, but I want it on do my way. “

There was respect between the pair before their now famous bout

Persoon was speaking at a press conference to announce her return to the ring. The former lightweight world champ will drop down to super featherweight where she will take on Nigerian Helen Joseph [17(10)-3(0)-2] at the home of Oostende Basketball club on November 11. 

Joseph looks a tough fight on paper, particularly in terms of a comeback fight.

‘The Iron Lady’ has some good upset wins on her record, but has never fought as high as super feather. In fact her most recent big fights have played out as low as bantam and super flyweight.

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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