Katie Taylor insists she is ready to go the distance if necessary in Saturday’s WBA lightweight title showdown in Cardiff.
Less than a year after her professional debut, the Bray fighter will challenge Anahi Sanchez for the belt on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight fight against Carlos Takam.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist has eased past her previous six opponents to date and there are fears that she could be troubled against a more complete boxer.
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Taylor, who has spent the last 11 weeks in a US training camp, insists that she has the endurance required if Sanchez pushes her to the full 10 rounds.
"I’m definitely preparing for a tough battle, for whatever comes my way. These are the sort of challenges I absolutely cherish and I can’t wait for it," she said at the pre-fight press conference.
"It’s a big step-up. That’s why I’m taking this fight so seriously. That’s why I have a good long training camp under my belt as well.
"These are the kind of fights that are going to elevate women’s boxing" - Katie Taylor
"I went plenty of rounds over the last few weeks with top season pros to prepare me for this type of battle. I can’t wait to show that on Saturday evening."
Over 80,000 fans are expected with Taylor’s fight set to take place on the middle of the card and has said repeatedly this week that she is braced for the biggest night in her career to date.
"I’m so excited. Ever since I turned pro I wanted to box for title and be involved in world fights.
"These are the kind of fights that are going to elevate women’s boxing."
Follow Katie Taylor's title challenge in a live blog on RTÉ.ie on Saturday
