Katie Taylor admits Delfine Persoon will be her toughest test

Katie Taylor [13(6)-0] suggests she has saved the best till last in terms of her undisputed dream.

Having claimed a third world title in America over the weekend thanks to victory over Rose Volante, the Wicklow fighter instantly set her sights on holder of the final WBC lightweight strap, Delfine Persoon.

Indeed, the IBF, WBA and WBO world champion is very close to confirming a June 1st mega undisputed clash with the Belgian and an official announcement is expected next week.

The Joshua v Miller undercard clash at Madison Square Garden wouldn’t be Taylor’s first against a reigning world champion.

The 32-year-old picked up a vacant WBA title that had been lost by Anahi Sanchez on the scales the day before, then dethroned Victoria Bustos to claim the IBF crown and unbuckled the WBO belt from around the waist of Volante.

There were fights with reigning WBCs uper featherweight champ Eva Walstrom and WBO featherweight champ Cindy Serrano in between, while Jessica McCaskil the fighter that possibly performed best against the Irish sensation has gone on to become a world champ at light welter [WBC] since her Taylor reverse.

However, Ireland first three belt world title holder is adamant Persoon [43(18)-1(1)] will be her toughest test to date.

Taylor outlined how “she’s going to be my toughest opponent to date. She’s been a reigning champion for years now, she’s been in the pound-for-pound rankings for years as well, so she’s a fantastic champion.”

“That fight has been talked about for over a year now so that’s going to be an absolute super fight.”

Persoon, is a former IBF world champion and won the WBC strap as far back as 2014 with victory over Argentine Erica Farias. The 33-year-old, a convert from judo, has since defended the title nine times  – with wins over current super featherweight champ Maiva Hamadouche and her most recent triumph over Melissa St Vil being the pick – and is certainly by far the more experienced pro of the two.

Taylor respects the challenge and described how “she’s a great champion, she’s very, very fit. It could be a really physical fight. It’s definitely going to be the toughest fight of my career and I am taking it that seriously.”

“I have to be 100 per cent going into it – she is a great champion. She’s had over 40 fights and only one loss. She’s a great fighter all round so that’s going to be a fantastic fight and I can’t wait for it.”