Katie Taylor says her upcoming fight against world welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron on May 20 is the biggest challenge of her stellar career.
Ireland’s Taylor, 36, would go undefeated and become the undisputed bantamweight world champion in her first professional fight in her native country at the 3 Arena in Dublin.
The undisputed world lightweight champion won a historic points decision in May against undefeated Puerto Rican Amanda Serrano in the bill’s first women’s fight at Madison Square Garden in New York.
When asked if it would be the biggest test of her career, Taylor said: “Sure. It’s unbelievable that after 22 fights I finally get to fight back home.
“Big boxing is coming back to Ireland and it’s not just any ordinary fight, it’s two undisputed champions facing each other.”
Northampton’s Indomitable Taylor challenged Cameron via social media earlier this month after Serrano pulled out of the rematch due to injury.
“This is one of the most exciting fights right now,” Taylor said. “As soon as I learned of Serrano’s exit, Chantelle was the obvious choice.”
Cameron has won all 17 of his professional fights, and promoter Eddie Hearn noted that it would be the first time that two undisputed and undefeated world champions faced each other in the sport.
Taylor said, “I think this could be another fight of the year contender, but at the end of the day I have more experience with the bigger fights.
“I have already faced the best opponents and I will be more prepared mentally, physically and spiritually than ever before.
“I expect a tough fight, of course, but God willing, I will go home as the absolute two-welterweight champion.
“She has an impeccable career, an undisputed champion and has the style to make this another epic.”
Cameron won a unanimous points decision against American Jessica McCaskill in Abu Dhabi in November, becoming Britain’s first undisputed champion.
Cameron said: “I have to say, it’s all thanks to Katie because women’s boxing is flying, and if it weren’t for Katie and (USA three-time world champion) Clarissa[Shields]no women would be here.
“There’s a lot of respect out there. But this is my career and my legacy and I’m coming to win.”
“Katy is the best female boxer, and if she can win, I might quit boxing one day and think ‘I beat the best female boxer out there.’”
Promoter Hearn added: “Two undefeated fighters, two undisputed champions, the first time in boxing that two undisputed champions have faced each other.
“It will be a great night, not only for Irish sport, but for all sports around the world.”
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