Taylor puts all of her world belts on the line against Delfine Persoon on Saturday after a narrow victory when the two first met
Katie Taylor risks all of her world lightweight belts for a second time against Delfine Persoon on Saturday, with the sole purpose of ‘proving beyond any doubt’ that the undefeated, undisputed champion is the queen of the 135lbs division.
In their first meeting in June 2019 – a thrilling, brutal 10-round fight Taylor clung onto her belts, claiming the bout by majority after a contest in which neither of the protagonists took a backward step. It was breathtaking.
Taylor told Telegraph Sport she is ‘looking for a career-best performance’ against the toughest opponent she has faced in this rematch. Taylor prepared for the rematch with Persoon in rural Connecticut for five months, until flying to Britain last week.
‘This is a legacy-building fight for me and Delfine’ explained Taylor, undefeated in 15 fights, and a former Olympic champion.
‘We’re both in this sport to prove that we’re the best. You have two fighters here that absolutely believe that they are going to win. That’s what makes this such a fantastic fight. I want to be involved in the biggest fights and that’s why I wanted this rematch.’
Persoon, from Roeselare, Belgium, a policewoman by day who trains fellow officers in special weapons and tactics, has an accomplished record of 44 victories and two defeats, with 19 knockouts. She demonstrated at Madison Square Garden 14 months ago in front of 20,000 fans that she is the Irishwoman’s equal. Physically tough, and a relentless pressure fighter, Persoon forced Taylor into her kind of fight.
Now challenging Taylor for the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine lightweight world titles, Persoon said: “It’s up to me to prove that I deserve the titles. In New York, for us, it was not the correct decision [by the judges]. It’s up to me to prove that was wrong. We were very surprised Katie is taking this risk.”
If there is pressure on Taylor, the 34-year-old has not shown it inside the Fight Camp bubble as the women have brushed shoulders all week.
Taylor told Telegraph Sport: “It’s different and weird not being able to leave the hotel but I’m fully focused on the fight. Crossing paths with your opponent is definitely strange. More like the amateur days in that sense. But I’m trying to soak it all up and enjoy the experience.”
Taylor will try and box smart this time, though she loves a tear-up. “When you step into the ring you’re trying to make the fight as easy as possible for yourself. Unfortunately, sometimes I do stand and fight too much. The plan is to be more disciplined this time.”
Expect Taylor to box more adroitly and use her footwork early, but by the middle rounds it is likely to be a similar fight to their New York blockbuster and another razor-tight contest, with Taylor retaining the crown on points.