Eddie Hearn backs “favourite fighter” Katie Taylor to come through “major moment”

“Trailblazer” Katie Taylor [12(5)-0] will take a massive step to global superstardom if she adds a third world title to her collection this weekend, claims promoter Eddie Hearn.

The Matchroom boss seems to believe his ‘favourite’ fighter can become one of the leading names in the sport and suggests victory in her unification bout in Philadelphia this coming Friday would be a big step toward achieving that.

A win over WBO champion Rose Volante [14(8)-0] on a card that also sees Jono Carroll in world title action would see the Bray fighter become the first ever Irish three-belt world champion and leave her just one win away from becoming the undisputed lightweight queen.

It’s a meteoric rise for the woman who changed the shape of amateur boxing and Hearn is confident the ascent will continue to a point where the Irish great becomes a world great and a legendary figure.

“She’s been incredible,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “She’s a trailblazer, isn’t she? She’s the reason that women’s boxing has broken through the boundaries with the broadcasters and sponsors.”

“She is arguably one of the most entertaining fighters in the world right now,” noted Hearn before stating again his admiration for the Wicklow woman.

“She’s my favourite fighter in the world. Forget men and women, she can fight, she can entertain, and she’s a national hero in Ireland!”

“March 15th is another step to her becoming a global star on the world stage.”

“It’s a massive fight. It’s another unification fight, it’s a chance for her to add the WBO championship to her mantelpiece.”

To set up an undisputed fight, which looks set to play out in New York on June 1st, with WBC titleholder Delfine Persoon, Taylor must first overcome Brazilian Volante and, despite the Matchroom fighter’s obvious talents, Hearn believes it’s not an easy task.

“Rose Volante, the champion from Brazil, undefeated, very strong, very tough. By far the toughest fight of Katie Taylor’s career so far,” said the English promoter in an assertion most would disagree with considering the strength and subsequent achievements of Jessica McCaskill, Anahi Esther Sanchez, and Victoria Noelia Bustos..

“If she wins this, she’s one belt away from being the undisputed lightweight champion of the world. This is a major, major moment for her career.”