Hail Mary – Kimberly Connor aiming for miracle Katie Taylor victory

Kimberly Connor claims she will be the winner of a war on the undercard of Dylan Whyte and Joseph Parker in London on Saturday night.

The American, with Tipperary roots, challenges for Katie Taylor’s IBF and WBA lightweight world titles live on Sky Box Office and is determined to make the most of her third world title shot.

Taylor [9(4)-0] is 1/100 to defend her belts this weekend and, in a move that has been criticised by some, a fight with Cindy Serrano has already been pencilled in for October 6th.

Connor [13(5)-3(1)-2] and Taylor have common opponents, the American being widely outpointed by Victoria Noelia Bustos last year – with Taylor subsequently dethroning the Argentine IBF champ. In her comeback from this loss, Connor overcame Jasmine Clarkson in an all-Texas slugfest, with Taylor easily stopping the same opponent just weeks later.

With all this in mind, many believe that Connor doesn’t have a prayer against the Wicklow star – but Connor believes she has one.

The Texas-born Little Rock resident seems to believe will rather than skill is her best way of securing victory and two world titles and points out her game plan revolves around pure heart.

“I see myself winning and I predict a war. This is my Hail Mary moment, I am fighting her with grit and heart. This fight is what dreams are made of,” Connor old Irish boxing journalist Bernard O’Neill.

Connor, who debuted as far back as 2004, has seen it all as a pro boxer and admits she feels pride when she see’s what Taylor has done for the amateur game and is now doing for the pro game.

However, she claims she will bin her respect for her foe’s achievements during what she promises will be 10 tough rounds this weekend.

”She is an awesome athlete. I’m proud of her accomplishments in women’s boxing. I have to set that aside right now and focus on my dreams of having a world title.”

“I want with all my heart to be the person to win the fight no one thinks I will win.”

The American mandatory challenger is set to bank less than €10,000 for Saturday’s fight and, while it’s a lot less than the 2012 Olympian who will most likely command six figures, it should be a career-high purse and there is no doubt it’s the Taylor name that is bringing the extra cash to the table.

“Even at the top level, women’s boxing does not pay enough,”

“I have three children, twin boys and a 10-year-old daughter. Katie Taylor is a rare fighter because she has support by a promoter and a huge fan base.”