PHILADELPHIA — If Katie Taylor is successful defeating Rose Volante in their title-unification bout at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Friday night, the WBA/IBF lightweight champion would add the WBO strap and be one piece away from being crowned undisputed champ.
And Eddie Hearn has quite the stage in mind for the Irish boxer to showcase what would be a career-defining moment — Madison Square Garden on the Anthony Joshua-Jarrell Miller card June 1, the Matchroom Boxing promoter confirmed with Sporting News on Wednesday.
"That's what we want," Hearn said. "We want that next."
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That's not to say Hearn nor Taylor are overlooking Volante.
"I really think Volante is going to be her toughest test yet," Hearn said. "She's 17-0, she's extremely strong, she's a great puncher as well. Katie's the favorite, of course, as she is in all fights, and all roads lead to undisputed because if she could be victorious in this fight, she has the fight with Delfine Persoon, who's the WBC champion and final piece in the puzzle for the undisputed championship and probably the Ring Magazine belt as well. That's everything to Katie."
He added: "She's in this sport purely for legacy, and I admire her so much."
Eyes on the prize for Friday night in Philadelphia live on @DAZN_USA and @SkySports #TaylorVolante Photos: @muls96 pic.twitter.com/0B1ZunpDxM
— Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) March 12, 2019
Before Taylor and Hearn can try to cement that fight with Persoon for the undisputed crown, Taylor will have to get by a game Volante first Friday night in Philly.
"Rose is a great champion," Taylor said at Wednesday's media event to promote Taylor vs. Volante and Tevin Farmer vs. Jono Carroll. "She's strong and has a big right hand, she's undefeated, too, so she's a proud fighter and she's chasing the same prize as me. We want each other’s belts and unbeaten records, but I have had a great camp and I am full of confidence. I think I am getting better, and I think it will show on the night. This could be a very physical fight and I am prepared for that."
