Skip to content

Katie Taylor hopes to unify the division and box in front of her home fans in 2018

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Katie Taylor expects a tough fight against American Jessica McCaskill when she makes her first defence of her WBA lightweight title on December 13, live on Sky Sports

Katie Taylor admits this year has been an "absolute dream" but is already looking forward to unifying her division and making her homecoming in 2018.

The WBA lightweight world champion will make the first defence of her title against American Jessica McCaskill on December 13, live on Sky Sports.

I want to be in big fights, I want to unify the division and I want to make history in this sport.
Katie Taylor
Taylor defend live on Sky Sports
Taylor defend live on Sky Sports

Katie Taylor's first defence will be against American Jessica McCaskill.

Taylor has already had five professional fights this year, including fighting on fellow Olympic and world champion, Anthony Joshua's cards.

She won the WBA strap by dominating former champion Anahi Sanchez in October and without overlooking McCaskill, hopes the last 12 months will be the perfect platform for even bigger success in 2018.

anthony joshua, katie taylor
Image: Anthony Joshua has also added a world title to his Olympic gold

"It's definitely exceeded all my expectations and it's been a very exciting year," she exclusively told Sky Sports News' SportsWoman.

"I've had the chance to box on big, big bills all year really, and this is what I've been dreaming of as a child really, boxing on these big nights, to be in big fights and box for world titles.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Katie Taylor was crowned as the new WBA lightweight champion after beating Anahi Sanchez and says the win means more than words can describe despite not being at her best

"It's been an absolute dream. I want to be in big fights, I want to unify the division and I want to make history in this sport.

Also See:

"There are so many great fights in and around the lightweight division, so I am looking forward to a bright future."

Taylor boxed at both Wembley Stadium and the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, in a busy year that saw her move to 7-0-KO4 and pick up the WBA belt.

She received an "absolutely fantastic" reception on returning to her hometown of Bray, following her world title win, but with the 31-year-old based in Connecticut, New England, while in camp, she is looking forward to getting her homecoming fight next year.

Katie Taylor of Ireland waves her national colors as she celebrates her gold medal victory in the women's boxing Lightweight final in 2012
Image: Taylor is looking forward to boxing in Ireland next year

"It was great to go back home," she said.

"For the past few months I've been based out here in Connecticut training, so it was great to catch up with family and friends and celebrate with them.

Jessica McCaskill is trained by Rick Ramos
Image: Jessica McCaskill will be challenging Taylor in December

"The reception and reaction since that fight has been absolutely fantastic. The support through my whole career has been and I am so grateful for that, so I want to keep that going.

"I've had the privilege of boxing across the UK last year in big, big fights and big stadiums and the reception has been fantastic, all the way through, but I guess it is just a taste of what it will be like when I do box at home.

"I can't wait to box at home in front of my own crowd. I am so excited about that."

Watch Katie Taylor vs Jessica McCaskill, from York Hall, on Wednesday, December 13, live on Sky Sports.

Tale of the Tape - Katie Taylor v Jessica McCaskill
Image: Tale of the Tape - Katie Taylor v Jessica McCaskill

Around Sky