TWO-WEIGHT world champion Mikaela Mayer has put her name forward as a potential opponent for Katie Taylor.
Mayer, 35, will fight in Canada – for the first time in her professional career – on October 30 when she challenges Mary Spencer for the WBA super-welterweight title. Victory would give her success in a third division after winning championships at super-featherweight and welterweight.
Last month it was announced that Taylor had vacated her WBC super-lightweight title ending her reign at a second weight as undisputed champion. The 39-year-old is taking a hiatus from the sport for personal reasons but her absence hasn’t seen her frozen out by the WBC. Instead the sanctioning body moved her to the position of ‘Champion-in-Recess’. This will allow her to challenge for the title should she decide to return.
Taylor’s decision allowed interim belt-holder Chantelle Cameron, who is tied at 1-1 in her series with the Irishwoman, to be promoted to full champion.
Rumours of a rubber match between Taylor and Cameron have never gone away, but there has also been speculation linking Taylor to a fight at Dublin’s Croke Park. Fighting at the historic venue has been a longtime wish of Taylor’s.
Mayer, 21-2 (5 KOs), recently told Boxing News she would have no problem being in the other corner to Taylor if the Croke Park dream becomes a reality.
“I’ve always wanted to fight Katie,” Mayer said.
“I’ve made that known. We’ve reached out to (Taylor’s promoter) Matchroom. They know we’re available for that fight. If she does want one more fight at Croke Park, I’m willing to go to Ireland to get that done.”
Mayer admits she would retain her full respect for Taylor, 25-1 (6 KOs), if the veteran decided to hang up her gloves after a glittering career in both the amateur and professional codes.
“I know she’s mandated to fight Chantelle. I don’t know what she’s going to do, it’s up to her. I respect whatever decision she makes. I would love to be called upon for her final fight if that’s what she’s looking to do.”
