Undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor will bid to become a two-weight world champion in Manchester in November.
It has been confirmed the Bray boxer will take on WBO super-lightweight champion Christina Linardatou at the Manchester Arena on November 2.
It will be a step up in weight for the 2012 Olympic champion against Linardatou, whose only defeat in the professional ranks came at the hands of Taylor's most recent opponent Delfine Persoon in 2016.
Taylor said: “I had some of my early pro fights at Manchester Arena and to come back in November and headline a card there a couple of years on is amazing.
“It’s played host to some huge nights in boxing history so I’m honoured to be part of that tradition.
“It’s a new challenge at a new weight and something I’m really excited about. I still feel like I have so much left to achieve in the sport and becoming a two-weight World Champion is one of those goals.
“There are still so many huge fights out there for me like the Amanda Serrano fight, a rematch with Delfine Persoon and a fight with Cecilia Brækhus but the first goal is November 2nd and winning another World title.
“I don’t have any issues making Lightweight so I think I can move comfortably between the two weights. I always want to push myself and Christina’s an excellent World Champion so it will be a big test for me.”
The Matchroom Boxing card, which will also feature former world champion Anthony Crolla as well as undefeated British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi.
https://www.matchroomboxing.com/news/taylor-bids-to-become-two-weight-world-champion-in-manchester/
It means fight fans will have to wait a bit longer for a mouthwatering clash of Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
The Puerto Rican recorded her 37th professional win over the weekend with a unanimous points decision over Heather Hardy.
Serrano, whose older sister Cindy lost to Taylor last year, told DAZN after the win over Hardy: " I say let’s go but Katie Taylor’s going up to 140 (lbs), so let’s see what she wants to do. No matter where it’s at, what weight. I’m going to win. "
Taylor is also expected to face Persoon in a rematch next year after overcoming the Belgian police officer during the summer.
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