Delfine Persoon fears that Katie Taylor will dodge rematch – Considering WBC appeal

A tearful Delfine Persoon has lamented the judges’ verdict on Saturday night which saw her edged out by Ireland’s Katie Taylor.

Taylor claimed the undisputed lightweight title in an epic clash in New York but Persoon, along with many commentators, feels that it was the wrong decision.

Considering both the controversy and the excitement of their ten rounds on Saturday night, a rematch seems to be an absolute no-brainer – however, Persoon does not believe the repeat will be forthcoming.

Indeed the now-former WBC champion feels she missed her chance when she was unable to stop a visibly hurt Taylor in the tenth and final round at Madison Square Garden.

Persoon stormed out of the ring following the announcement of the result but was interviewed yesterday in New York by Belgian outlet Sporza.

Visibly upset, the 34-year-old rued her inability to stop the teetering Taylor late on, describing how “I had her in trouble more than once, but each time she grabbed me. It’s like my trainer says, I was boxing with my heart rather than with my head. When I step back, I finish them.

“Instead of taking a step back, I let myself be grabbed. That’s not how you finish it. If I did, there would be no discussion now.”

Many felt that Persoon did enough and the Flemish puncher is inclined to agree.

She noted how “if you look at the social media it [looks like a robbery] and me and my trainer also feel that way.”

“We will look back on the fight when we get home and can analyze whether we have really been robbed.”

Taylor has stated her desire for the rematch due to the debated nature of the verdict but Persoon does not believe this will materialise.

The Belgian feels Taylor and her team – manager Brian Peters and promoter Eddie Hearn – won’t want to take on the dangerous fight having escaped with the victor on Saturday.

Indeed, Persoon even predicts thee argument that will be made

“I don’t think Taylor wants to take that risk,” she outlined.

“Her team will argue that she has passed me by. She will not give me another chance.”

The long-reigning champion was totally despondent during the interview.

The possibility of an appeal to the WBC will be explored but the despondant police officer does not hold out much hope.

“I fear that we are not strong enough. We will look at it, though,” she mused.

“It’s too bad, I could have written history for Belgian sport, but I wasn’t allowed.”