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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gavin Quinn

Conor McGregor heaps praise on Katie Taylor and reveals whether he'll attend unification showdown

Katie Taylor can make history tomorrow night as she aims to be the first ever Irish boxer to win all four belts across a weight class when she takes on Delfine Persoon.

Taylor, who boasts a flawless 13-0 pro record, can become the undisputed lightweight queen with a win in one of the biggest fights in women's boxing history - and one of Ireland's biggest stars in the fight game has backed her all the way.

Conor McGregor has joined Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan in tribute to Taylor, with the Dubliner sharing a photo of the pair after she defeated Cindy Serrano last October on social media.

Katie Taylor can make history against Delfine Persoon (Action Images via Reuters)

In her way is Belgian WBC strapholder Persoon (43-1) as the two go toe-to-toe on the early hours of Sunday morning before Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz Jr.

Taking to Twitter to post a picture of the two at the Serrano fight, the UFC superstar said: "This is one of my favorite pictures!

"What an experience to watch this woman fight live! If I was not in a cast from my own fight preparations, I would be ringside for this fight 100%!

"Back this woman all the way! Ireland’s very own, Katie Taylor."

And according to Taylor herself, winning tomorrow night would be a bigger deal than her sensational Olympic gold in London back in 2012.

She told Sky Sports: "This is a fight I have always wanted.

"To be fighting for the undisputed title in Madison Square Garden is absolutely phenomenal really.

"This journey has been incredible over the last few years and hopefully I will perform well on June 1.

"I cannot wait to write my name in the history books. Ever since I did turn pro, I wanted to become the undisputed champion, I wanted to make history in this sport and I am so close to it now.

"Delfine Persoon is a fantastic champion.

(Nick Potts/PA Wire)

"She has been a champion for numerous years now - a long-reigning champion. I think she has had 43 wins and one loss so she is an outstanding champion.

"That is why I have prepared so hard for this fight. I am expecting my toughest fight to date but I am ready for this challenge and I am ready to perform brilliantly on Saturday night.

"This is the pinnacle of the sport really - to become the undisputed champion of the world is the pinnacle of boxing.

"This would be the biggest night of my career so far. The Olympics in 2012 was absolutely outstanding but I think this night would even pass that out. This is definitely the biggest night of career and I can't wait for it." 

If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.       

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