Delfine Persoon has admitted that she was amazed Katie Taylor granted her a rematch as the pair prepare to settle their bitter rivalry this weekend.
The Belgian has continuously claimed that she should have had her arm raised after their Madison Square Garden fight last summer, which resulted in Taylor being crowned the unified lightweight champion of the world.
And as the two foes are locked in a war of words ahead of their Fight Camp clash on Saturday, Persoon has admitted her surprise that she's got a second bite at Taylor.
"We didn't think [Taylor would grant a rematch]. We were very surprised Katie is taking this risk," said Persoon.
"For her, it is a big risk. If she loses, it isn't good for her career."
The part-time police officer has been heavily critical of Taylor's boxing style in the wake of their controversial clash, but claimed that she has plenty of areas to improve after their bout.
"A war? This is boxing. Punch, punch back. It is not a war. Grabbing and holding is not boxing.
"Boxing offensively, jabbing and working, is the way to box.
"I respect her style. I must prove my style, like I did in New York, but even better.
"I could see I am bigger than her.
"I have to start the fight faster than last time, with a higher tempo.
"But I can't change the whole thing. My way of boxing is with pressure.
"I can box also on the back foot but, a lot of the time, my opponents don't pressure me. But I can do it. I spar with guys in Belgium who are stronger than me. They give me problems and I find solutions. Against a girl, I always feel stronger because I train with men.
"But I like to box in front. Boxing with my heart can be a problem, sometimes I forget to use my [brain].
"I must not give her time to hold me. Don't give her the time."
The biggest fight in the history of women's boxing, Taylor is determined to prove that she is the best boxer in the world.
"We both think we're going to win," Taylor said.
"I want to be involved in the biggest fights and that's why I wanted this rematch.
"I want to prove that I am the best. There will be criticism whether I win or lose.
"This is why I'm in boxing - to be the best. I want to be known as the pound-for-pound No 1.
"No crowd, all the belts on the line? This is the purest form of boxing you will ever see.
"I'm prepared for whatever comes my way on Saturday. May the best boxer win."
