Undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor has no intention of retiring from the sport.
Last weekend, the 36-year-old fighter suffered the first defeat of her career when she was derailed by undisputed junior welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron.
The loss ruined Taylor’s big homecoming event at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.
Taylor only thought at the moment is invoking her right to an immediate rematch clause.
“I don’t even know what retirement means. I definitely don’t feel like it’s time for me to retire. It will happen one day in the future, but now my sights are set on securing a rematch with Chantelle,” Taylor explained to RTE.
“I take it fight by fight and year by year, but right now I’m not going to end my career like that. I’m excited to step back in there and perform. This is my passion and I’m so grateful to be doing it every day. I haven’t looked back on the fight yet. I think the right person won. I have to take the loss and move on from it. I’m just excited to get back to America to start training again for the rematch.
Taylor’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has floated the idea of Taylor and Cameron taking interim-fights – and then colliding at some point in 2024.
However, Taylor is only focused on securing the Cameron rematch.
The second fight could take place on a date in November, says Taylor.
“That’s the only fight that matters to me now, the rematch with Chantelle Cameron. I think we’re looking at a November date,” Taylor said.
“To bring another big event back to Ireland would be very, very special. Hopefully it can happen. I’m very excited at the thoughts of it. I’m very hopeful of the future, that I can rectify this. I have a chance to get revenge and revenge would be very, very sweet.
“Obviously it’s been a very, very disappointing week since the defeat. I’ve been in this situation before. I know I can come back from it. Life is all about ups and downs. Setbacks make you stronger. I’m determined to come back stronger and looking forward to the rematch, please God, if it happens. I’m just excited for the next step. It isn’t what I wanted [a defeat], but I’m going to be fine and I’m just determined to get back to winning ways.”