Women’s boxing legend wants to see Katie Taylor in world title fights

Women’s boxing legend Jane Couch believes that Katie Taylor [4(2)-0] is ready to move into world title fights.

The Wicklow lightweight boxes for the WBA Inter-Continental belt in what is a World title eliminator on the massive Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko undercard at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.

Here Taylor faces German Nina Meinke [5(2)-0], and ‘The Fleetwood Assassin’ believes that the Irishwoman is of a high enough technical standard to box for world honours afterwards.

The pioneering Couch, the first licensed female boxer in Britain, told Sky Sports that “Katie’s definitely ready to fight for a world title in terms of her skillset.”

“Katie could probably fight for a world title now as long as she keeps using the skills that she’s got. The standard is no better than her if you look at the current champions – they’re not any more skilful than Katie.”

Couch notes that experience is the main advantage which the current champs hold over Taylor, however she would like to see how the Bray boxer copes with this.

“They’re just more experienced and that counts, say the first time Katie gets cut, or the first time Katie goes down.”

“Does she panic? I don’t think she will because of her amateur experience, but until she fights for a world title we’re not going to know. Either way she’s there or thereabouts.”

Couch retired in 2008 following a 39-fight career in which she fought for, and won, numerous titles. Couch would challenge for the WBC, WBA, and EBU light welterweight titles as well as holding the WIBF title on three occasions, back when it was considered the premier championship in women’s boxing.

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