Every fight like an Olympic final, says focused Taylor

Katie Taylor claims she is in supreme shape ahead of her third professional bout, insisting every fight of her pro career is now “like an Olympic final” despite her status as an overwhelming favourite tonight.

Taylor faces Monica Gentili, a 39-year-old Italian, in a six-round lightweight bout at London’s O2 Arena on the undercard of the Sky Box Office heavyweight showdown between David Haye and Tony Bellew.

Gentili is a replacement opponent as Bulgarian world-title challenger Milena Koleva withdrew due to illness. The Italian carries an unimpressive record of six wins and six losses, with one stoppage defeat, leading to expectations of a handy Taylor win as the bookies have priced the Bray native as a 1/200 favourite.