Four options on the table for undefeated Katie Taylor

Following easily one of the most captivating bouts of a generation, when Katie Taylor won a split decision victory against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden, the Irish boxer has thoroughly earned her pick of opponents. This comes after difficulties organising a potential rematch, amidst fans hoping for a long-awaited fight on home soil.

Taylor has long dreamed of defending her undisputed titles at Croke Park, the Dublin venue, which is the traditional home of Ireland’s Gaelic Games, having never had the opportunity to fight in front of a home crowd. All 21 of her professional boxing bouts to date have been held outside Ireland, either in the United Kingdom or the United States.

Nevertheless, any such proposals will have to wait according to promotor Eddie Hearn. While there had been initial plans for a rematch against Serrano, two factors contributed towards that idea being put on hold for now. One was involving Croke Park itself, which is only granted certain windows during the year to hold major events.

The other issue was for Taylor herself, as the prospect of such a quick rematch against Serrano wasn’t entirely appealing. “She wanted another fight before she considered that,” explained Hearn with obvious disappointment, albeit understanding of the need for Taylor to face some fresh challenges in her career.

For those two reasons, Hearn acknowledged that any thoughts of a Taylor-Serrano rematch will have to wait. “We were pushing for September for Croke Park with Serrano. Unfortunately, she didn’t want that fight. So I think Croke Park would have to sit on ice for spring or summer of 2023,” acknowledged Hearn, via The Sportsman.

Looking ahead and moving on, Hearn and Taylor are now in the process of weighing up some interesting alternatives. “People are talking about maybe a crossover fight with Holly Holm or Cris Cyborg,” the head of Matchroom Boxing pointed out. Both would certainly be lucrative for the pay-per-view markets, alongside the prospect of being fought in the United States.

As recently as June of this year, via Give Me Sport, 36-year-old MMA superstar Cris Cyborg confirmed her interest in making the move to boxing, having also held talks about being represented by Hearn and Matchroom. Likewise, the first bout on her mind was against none other than Taylor, setting up a duel between two of the greatest ever female fighters.

While the prospect of Cyborg moving into pugilism presents a true crossover, fellow MMA star Holly Holm is actually no stranger to the boxing ring. Her extensive professional boxing career spanned 38 fights between 2002 and 2013, filled with high-profile title contests and defences, marking a record of 33 wins and 3 draws, with just 2 losses.

Right now, fighting either Cyborg or Holm would undoubtedly be attractive bouts, given the constant demand for crossover contests in both male and female combat sports. There is always that “what if?” element about such contests, which fans always appear to find enticing, although many also believe the purest form of any sport is always the best.

Whenever backing one boxer against another there is often more certainty involved, at least insofar as backing one or the other competing in the ring. Checking the past form and latest odds are important elements, whenever wagering on a fight. Boxing also has a long history of popularity, according to the latest guide to the best online betting sites via Arabian Betting.

Utilising such guides is a great resource getting to know different betting markets, finding the most competitive odds and promotions, while educating ourselves about how to stay safe and secure. However, these days it often seems as though when it comes to boxing promotors, they typically choose potential contests that are likely to bring in the most money.

Taylor doesn’t have to take that route if she chooses. Given her astonishing unbeaten professional record of 21 wins, plus the honour of being an undisputed lightweight champion holding all the main belts, Taylor has the right to select whichever opponent she believes will best suit her own career plans.

American boxer Jessica McCaskill is keen for another crack at fighting Taylor, having lost their previous WBA female lightweight title encounter in December 2017. McCaskill is now the undisputed female welterweight title holder, boasting three successful defences over the last two years. The only issue might be which of the pair would change weight for any contest.

Another straight up boxing option might also be Choi Hyun Mi, currently holder of the WBA super-featherweight title, and currently unbeaten throughout her professional career. She would be more than willing to step up in weight divisions, ready to put her unbeaten record spanning 19 fights to the biggest of tests.

Whatever comes next for Taylor, her massive and vocal fanbase in Ireland will be cheering on for continued success, alongside the constant craving to finally see her fight before a home crowd. That will undoubtedly come with time and a little more patience, although for now, Hearn and Taylor must choose their next bout options with the utmost care and consideration.