KATIE TAYLOR IS keen to replicate the success of former UFC champions Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm as she continues her boxing career in the professional ranks.
The Bray woman will aim to take her pro record to 6-0 this Saturday night when she faces American southpaw Jasmine Clarkson at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn on the undercard of the Mikey Garcia-Adrien Broner bout.
“I think people are definitely a lot more open-mined to it nowadays,” Taylor told IFL TV, when asked about the current health of women’s boxing.
“I would love to change people’s perspective on women’s boxing. Having an opportunity to box on these shows is such a great platform for that.
“I’d love to bring women’s boxing to the next level. I think it can be done. You see it in the UFC — Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm have made themselves huge names — and I think it can be done in the boxing world as well.”
Taylor, who defeated Nina Meinke in an eliminator in April, is seemingly on the verge of a world title shot, with promoter Eddie Hearn stating previously that her bid to become a world champion as a pro could happen in Dublin in November.
Taylor also sees this weekend’s bout, which will be her first as a pro on US soil, as an opportunity to increase her profile among the American audience.
“I definitely feel ready for a world title but I’m just going to take my time and learn as I go along as well,” she said. “But I definitely feel ready. I’m ready and willing to fight anyone.”
The 31-year-old added: “It’s great to be making my [US] pro debut on such a big show. I’d love to create a big fanbase out here, as at home and in the UK as well.”
