Joshua vs Takam: Katie Taylor can become the new WBA champion in just her seventh professional fight
Sunday 29 October 2017 07:07, UK
Katie Taylor targets the WBA lightweight crown in just her seventh pro fight against Anahi Sanchez.
Background
Ireland's 2012 gold medallist has made swift progress in the paid ranks, blasting her way to six victories since her debut in November last year, and she is already competing against the top women in the sport.
Sanchez has held world titles in two weight divisions during an impressive 19-fight career, with 17 victories and just two defeats, although she was stripped of her belt after missing weight on Friday. The title became vacant, but Taylor is still eligible to win it.
The Uruguayan should provide a notable step-up in class and is not daunted by Taylor's glittering amateur achievements, predicting that she will endure a 'dark night' at the Principality Stadium.
Can Taylor be crowned as a world champion, or will her rapid rise come to a sudden halt this weekend?
What the fighters say?
It's a big step-up, that's why I've taken it so seriously. I've done plenty of rounds to prepare me, I can't wait to show that on Saturday.
Everybody thinks [Katie Taylor] will lift my belt but I can tell you that's wrong. It will be a dark night, and a rainy night, for Katie.
What her rival says?
I think we'll see the same Katie, fast, explosive, good combinations, and I think she gets it done easily.
What the expert says?
I do expect Taylor to immediately try and unify belts after this next fight. It's having that drive and hunger, she will always want more.
The weigh in:
Anahi Sanchez: 9st 9lb (1lb over, unable to get inside limit)
Katie Taylor: 9st 8½lbs
