Katie Taylor is heading for a world title unification showdown in New York after claiming a third world boxing title.
The Irish superstar added the WBO lightweight title to the WBA and IBF belts by stopping Brazilian Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia.
Now a big night on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title clash with Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden on June 1 is in sight – with Taylor set to take on Belgian WBC champion Delfine Persoon with the aim of bringing together all four titles.
London Olympic champion Taylor, 32, is now undefeated in 13 fights.
She said: "Now we can start talking about that fight against Persoon (below). That name’s been coming up over the last two years. I’ve got the three belts, she’s got the WBC belt - so we have to get that fight on next.”
Taylor floored Volante in the first round and after a gruelling contest, the fight was stopped in the ninth round with Volante suffering a suspected broken nose in a clash of heads.
Taylor added: “Rose Volante was a very tough opponent. She definitely had a bit of pop at the end of her punch, but I have a great chin and I can stand there and trade punches with anyone.
“I also have the power to hurt those girls I knew she was going to come here to fight. I think she got the best out of me. We’ve definitely seen a great showcase for women’s boxing.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn has made Taylor the poster girl for women’s professional boxing.
He said: “Persoon would be a tough fight. She was an outstanding amateur, she's got a tough style to beat, and she can punch as well. But Katie has come through another test and she's just a dream to work with."
