Katie Taylor has not quite done enough yet to earn a world title shot but it seems only a matter of time.
The Bray boxer handled Viviane Obenauf with precision attacks and the minimum of fuss in Manchester over the weekend and her professional record now reads 2-0.
Taylor impressed the likes of Michael Conlan and Anthony Joshua with her clinical performance over her Swiss-based opponent. A unanimous decision satisfied the Manchester crowd but Taylor insists she can do a lot more.
The Olympic gold medallist will now take some time off over Christmas but is keen to keep up her early momentum in 2017. Post-fight Taylor told reporters:
“It was a great fight for me to have and obviously if they’re thinking about world titles and stuff next year, it was definitely a good step up for me.”
There are a host of offers coming in for Taylor but two fight cards in the first third of 2017 are very exciting.
Taylor looks set to be included on the St Patrick’s Day fight card in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Michael Conlan will make his pro debut on the MSG card and Paddy Barnes is also set to feature.
Put Taylor on that card and throw in the fact that Conor McGregor will be carrying the Irish tricolour to the ring for Conlan and you have a must-see event for March 17.
Following that, Taylor would likely be set for a spot on the undercard to Anthony Joshua’s fight against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29. Joshua sang Taylor’s praises last week and both fighters have the same promoter – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom [with Brian Peters managing her affairs].
“I have to speak with my coach, Ross [Enamait],” Taylor responded when asked about 2017.
“I’m looking forward to working on a few things and next year is going to hopefully be the year for me.”
Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium are on the horizon but expect Taylor to take on a late January or early February bout in the mean-time. No backward step will be taken until Taylor is fighting for gold.
Diarmuid Connolly makes his long overdue GAA Hour debut and talks to Colm Parkinson about everything from the black card to his rivalry with Lee Keegan and how he honed the ability to kick accurately with either foot.
