Katie Taylor to fight Milena Koleva in Manchester
Wednesday 22 March 2017 07:18, UK
Katie Taylor will square off against former world champion Milena Koleva on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s clash with Jorge Linares, live on Sky Sports on Saturday night.
Taylor was scheduled to meet the Bulgarian on the undercard of Tony Bellew's stunning win over David Haye earlier this month but Koleva was forced out and replaced by Italian Monica Gentili.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist blasted her way past Gentili inside five rounds and will now face former GBC world featherweight champion Koleva at the Manchester Arena in her first eight-round contest in the paid ranks.
"If I'm going to be targeting world title fights then I need to be progressing in every fight so I'm really excited about this weekend," said Taylor.
"I definitely think it will be a step up with the fight being scheduled for eight rounds and also the quality of the opponent.
"Koleva's a good challenge for me at this point. I've watched some of her fights and she has been around the block, been in with some of the best girls in the world and always pushed them very hard so I'm expecting a tough fight.
Live Fight Night
"I headed back to the US the day after the last fight and got straight back into training and sparring for this one. I definitely feel like I've made some adjustments and improvements again in the last few weeks.
"You have to improve all the time because as you progress the fights are only going to get tougher and tougher. It's been a busy time but I'm feeling very good and it's great to have these opportunities."
Taylor's fourth professional fight is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, topped by Linares and Crolla facing each for the second time.
There is a battle of Blackpool as middleweights Brian Rose and Jack Arnfield lock horns and Martin J Ward defends his British super-featherweight title against Maxi Hughes in their third clash in the paid ranks.
Marcus Morrison defends his WBC international middleweight strap against Jason Welborn, while his Joe Gallagher gym-mate Hosea Burton is also in action. Team GB Olympian makes his pro debut, while there's also action for Tomi Tatham, Ben Sheedy, Nathan Wheatley and Sean McGoldrick.
Watch Katie Taylor v Milena Koleva as part of a packed Manchester bill from 7pm on Sky Sports 1.
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
