Katie Taylor has long reigned supreme in women’s lightweight boxing, but as time marches on, new talents emerge to challenge her throne.
While Taylor’s career isn’t over yet, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming talks for a potential rematch with Amanda Serrano, the landscape is changing. Hearn revealed that Taylor-Serrano II is a strong contender for a summer bout, possibly in Las Vegas at the new Sphere arena.
With Taylor vacating the WBO lightweight title, contenders Rhiannon Dixon and Karen Elizabeth Carabajal clash in Manchester to claim the vacant crown. Taylor, holding WBA and WBC lightweight belts, leaves a gap in a now fiercely competitive division.
Veteran fighters like Britain’s Natasha Jonas and Haiti’s Melissa St Vil face the inevitable challenge of time. Eddie Hearn sees a bright future with talents like Caroline Dubois, a promising prospect, and Beatriz Ferreira, a three-time amateur world champion likely to claim gold in Paris.
- Caroline Dubois: A great talent tipped to succeed Taylor, holding the IBO lightweight title and impressing with her professional record.
- Beatriz Ferreira: A three-time amateur world champion, gearing up for the Paris Olympics and a strong contender for the vacant IBF title.
- Rhiannon Dixon: Inspired by Taylor, this “anomaly” transitioned from white-collar boxing to a world title fight, showcasing that success can come at any stage.
- Karen Elizabeth Carabajal: With only one defeat, by Taylor in 2022, she continues to be a serious world title contender at 33.
- Natasha Jonas & Melissa St Vil: Veteran fighters nearing or having reached the age of 40, facing the challenge of time in the competitive lightweight division.
The lightweight division boasts strong contenders. Carabajal, defeated only by Taylor in 2022, and Ferreira, gearing up for the Paris Olympics, stand out. However, Dubois, with her IBO lightweight title and impressive professional record, is the frontrunner.
Skye Nicolson, WBC featherweight champion, praises Dubois’ strength and predicts a future super-fight against Ferreira.
Rhiannon Dixon, an anomaly in the sport, transitioned from white-collar boxing to a world title fight. She’s inspired by Taylor but believes her unique journey gives her an edge, proving that success can come at any stage in life.
Credit: Yahoo Sports
