Katie Taylor chasing U.S. headline dream

Katie Taylor [8(4)-0] wants to become a headline act in America.

The Wicklow lightweight aims to unify tonight in New York, putting her WBA belt on the line versus IBF champion Victoria Noelia Bustos on the Matchroom USA card at the Barclays Center.

Tonight, Taylor’s fight will play out on the undercard before the HBO cameras start rolling and the Bray sensation has dreams of building and progressing to a stage where she is topping bills Stateside.

America is said to be were the money is at but, as always, it’s clear that prestige for both herself but the women’s game in general rather than purse is the motivating factor for the Olympic gold medalist.

Taylor outlined to Ring TV how “there is a lot of great champions in women’s boxing right now, especially around the lightweight division. I think people are seeing the best of women’s boxing which is very important.”

“It’s a great opportunity to box live on TV so the public will see the best of women’s boxing as well. I’d love to change people’s perceptions of women’s boxing. I’d love to create a good fanbase here; to be headlining shows out here would be an absolute dream,” she added before stressing there is more to come.

“It’s been a great year as a professional but definitely the best is yet to come.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who Irish fans are continually pressuring to bring Taylor home for a massive fight, believes the Brian Peters-managed star is well on her way becoming a name outside of Ireland and the UK.

“Fans here have been turning out to watch her, the media have been all over her and it is so rewarding to see the adulation, the attention, the respect that Katie Taylor is getting from the world of boxing right now.”

To achieve her undisputed champion dream and to become a headline act on one of the major US network’s Taylor will first have to overcome Bustos [18(0)-4(0)] on the undercard of Daniel Jacobs v Maciej Sulecki.

The Argentine brings the IBF title to the table and should fittingly be Taylor’s toughest test to date.  The long-reigning titleholder has the WBA champion’s respect but the five time world amateur champion remains confident she can collect her second pro world crown in just her ninth paid fight.

31-year-old Taylor described how “Victoria Bustos is a great champion. She is one of the longest reigning champions in women’s boxing I believe.”

“It’s obviously going to be a very tough contest but I’m well-prepared for it. I’ve had a great camp over the last few months.”

“The training has been fantastic. I’m surrounded by great champions in the gym, really seasoned professionals, so I’m learning all the time.”