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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gavin Quinn

Katie Taylor determined to set up 2022 super-fight with Firuza Sharipova win

Katie Taylor is determined to put the latest challenger to her lightweight throne to the sword as she looks to focus on a potential super-fight.

But the Bray boxer, 35, insists that she isn't overlooking Firuza Sharipova when the pair do battle in Liverpool on Saturday.

Taylor is being lined up for some huge bouts in 2022 as fans speculate that she could take on Amanda Serrano in an all-star bout.

But the undisputed lightweight queen must first put her belts on the line against the Kazakhstan star, who will be hoping to upset the odds and hand Taylor her first defeat of her professional career.

"I'm very aware of the challenge of Saturday night," Taylor (19-0) said at a press conference on Thursday.

Katie Taylor (Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom)

"I haven't overlooked this opponent at all, I know what she brings and I'm prepared for whatever comes my way on Saturday night.

"I'm also aware that there's so many big fights out there for me - the bigger names that could possibly happen next year - I have to get through Saturday night first and then focus on the bigger fights ahead.

And with Alycia Baumgardner the latest to upset the odds against Terri Harper last month, the 2012 Olympic champion insists that she hasn't overlooked Sharipova.

"You've seen there's so many upsets this year already when people have gone to the ring maybe under-prepared or overlooking certain opponents.

"But I know that can't happen, I've made that mistake as an amateur fighter where I have overlooked opponents and have been beaten in fights.

"I've learned that lesson the hard way I guess so I'm 100% prepared, focused and I'm ready to put in a big performance."

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