Rose Volante rejects ‘hiding’ claims from Team Taylor

Rose Volante [14(8)-0] is adamant she has always wanted to fight the best and has never avoided Katie Taylor.

The Brazilian WBO world lightweight champion has long since been on the radar of Katie Taylor and her team, and was even considered as an opponent before both had reached World level, but the WBA and IBF beltholder had been unable to secure the unification until now.

Offers were sent the way of both WBC champ Delfine Persoon and Volante, but the Matchroom fighter found it difficult to entice either into the ring.

‘The Queen Rose’ had seemed set to face Taylor in December but negotiations broke down and WBC super featherweight champ Eva Wahlstrom stepped in.

Both Volante and Persoon were accused of hiding by Team Taylor – although some suggested both were holding out in a bid to be the fourth piece in the undisputed puzzle.

Now, just days after Persoon has said she was always up for the fight, Volante has refuted the ‘hiding’ claims.

READ: Persoon wants undisputed fight

“I never hid myself!” Volante said when speaking to Gavan Casey of the42.ie.

“My team decides where and when I will fight. I fight with anyone and at the right time. My team has accepted the fight and can be sure it’s going to be a great fight.”

“I always look for big challenges and now the time has come and I am preparing to win and return with the three belts.”

“Every athlete dreams of being the best and fighting with the best, and I’m willing to do it,” she added. “I’ve always prepared well to fight the best and now it’s no different.”

The South American won the belt in late 2017, travelling to Argentina to upset Brenda Carabajal to claim the vacant strap before defending it versus Lourdes Borbua of Panama and Colombian Yolis Franco.

Volante has previously promised levels of intensity, aggression, and desire Taylor [12(5)-0] has never seen when the pair trade leather at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Friday March 15th.

The 36-year-old has also suggested some of the Irish star’s previous opponents came for the cheque, not the prize, but is adamant she will do what it takes to win.

READ: Rose Volante fires warning shots at Katie Taylor

“I’m going into the fight to do my best and to win the fight,” she said.

“I am also a world champion. It will be a great fight for championships. The fight will promote an amazing spectacle for those who watch. The fight is decided upon in the ring. Whoever is better prepared will win. I’m very willing to do that.”