Katie Taylor is relishing the chance to take on Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Lightweight championship at Madison Square Garden in June.
Taylor added the WBO title to her IBF and WBA crowns in March, stopping Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, a sixth win inside the distance for the Bray sensation after the former amateur star won her first World title in just her seventh pro outing.
The 32-year-old takes on Persoon on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight title defence against Jarrell Miller in the Big Apple.
Along with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles, Taylor and Persoon will battle for the Ring magazine belt – the first time the title has been on the line at Lightweight for women.
Taylor said ahead of the fight: “It's great that she has finally signed for the fight and I'm delighted that Eddie has been able to make it."
“After my fight last month I went back home for a week but then it was straight back to Connecticut to start the hard work in training camp for this fight.
“When I turned professional my first goal was to win a World title but then my next priority was to become undisputed champion so obviously this fight gives me the opportunity to do that so it's massive for my career.
“Women's boxing is in such great place right now and these are the kind of super fights that will really take it to new heights.
"Persoon is recognized as one of the best in the world pound for pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it's the best against the best.
"Madison Square Garden seems like the perfect setting for a fight of this magnitude.”
Belgian Persoon said: “This is a very unique opportunity for me and I’m thankful we’ve got the fight made.
“I did not have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games and now I get the chance to compete with the Olympic champion in Katie Taylor.
“I expect this will be a very tough and honest fight, and that the best boxer may win this title fight – and I expect that to be me.”
Taylor's promoter Eddie Hearn added: “This is it – this is everything, the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
"The dream is on, the undisputed championship and I can’t wait to see this fight on June 1.
“This is the toughest test of Katie’s amateur and pro career, two pound-for-pound greats putting it all on the line at the mecca of boxing – the atmosphere is going to be something else.”
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