No worries about quickfire step up for Katie Taylor who predicts more of the same
Sky Boxing chief Adam Smith described how her debut was “phenomenal,” and “one of the best professional debuts I’ve ever seen.” Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn called it “electric.”
Katie Taylor [1(1)-0], however did not take much time to admire her work after annihilating Karina Kopinska on her paid bow at the Wembley Arena.
Taylor took out the Polish journeyman in the third round less than two weeks ago in London, but coach Ross Enamait today revealed that the Bray super featherweight was back in the gym the following Monday.
Indeed Taylor did not have time for a prolonged break, and one day will suffice for now as she takes a step up this coming Saturday night. The Wicklow woman boxes on the pay-per-view undercard of the Anthony Joshua v Eric Molina IBF heavyweight title fight at the Manchester Arena and will move up through the levels against Viviane Obenauf [9(4)-1(0)].
The Swiss-Brazilian lightweight is ranked at #18 with the WBC and #13 with Boxrec.com – both at lightweight, the weight above where Taylor is initially targeting titles. Like the Irishwoman’s debut foe Kopinska, whom Obenauf outpointed over six in October, the South American represents a very progressive early choice of opponent.
The fight will take place over six two-minute rounds and Taylor is happy with the quick step-up. The 30 year old described how “obviously, the debut was fantastic, but it is a step up for me this weekend.”
“It’s a great step up, a great challenge for me and I’m looking forward to putting on a show again.”
Coach Enamait also predicts a similar performance following another fortnight of work with his new charge. He said that “she was in shape obviously two weeks ago, so it’s a quick turnaround, but she didn’t lose anything. We just got right back into action and she’s ready to go.”
