The prospect of becoming a two-weight world champion on Saturday night has energised Katie Taylor ahead of her clash with Christina Linardatou at the at Manchester Arena.
Taylor, who is unbeaten in 14 outings in the pro ranks, completed her journey from Olympic gold to undisputed lightweight world champion with a thrilling points win over Belgium's Delfine Persoon at Madison Square Garden at the beginning of June.
Linardatou was born in the Dominican Republic and started her professional career on the Caribbean island, but represent Greece, where she moved to as a child.
The only blemish on the 31-year-old’s otherwise perfect record came in 2016, when Persoon - Taylor’s most recent foe - cantered to victory via a unanimous decision.
FACE OFF 👀@KatieTaylor vs Christina Linardatou#TaylorLinardatou pic.twitter.com/ImDixoYVSt
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 31, 2019
"It's very exciting that I have a chance to be a two-weight world champion," Taylor told reporters at Thursday’s press conference prior to the big bout.
"I’m well prepared for this challenge. I’ve had a long training camp for this fight - the longest camp I’ve had for a professional fight.
"I’m feeling well prepared, I’m feeling strong and these are the kind of challenge that I absolutely relish."
The Bray boxer also insisted that she would take the move up to 140lbs in her stride, while avoiding the temptation to look ahead to future fights.
"I’m in against a bigger and stronger girl, but I’ve put in hundreds and hundreds of rounds of sparring over these last few years and I’m ready and prepared for this kind of challenge.
"I’ve had a lot of strength and conditioning over the last few months and I’m feeling ready and I’m feeling strong. I can’t wait to get in there.
"There are a lot of big fights out there for me, but I’m only focused on this fight with Christina on Saturday night.
"I have to get past Christina first before all the other big names are available to me.
"It’s a big, big night for me on Saturday and I’m just completely focused on this fight."
