Via Vince Dwriter: After taking on an epic fight about six months ago, undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor will return to the ring to face undefeated challenger Karen Elizabeth Carabajal (19-0, 2 KOs) on October 29 at OVO Arena Wembley in London, live on DAZN.
2022 is an epic year for women’s boxing. This past weekend, Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall played an all-women game in London, Ramla Ali was part of the first women’s boxing match in Saudi Arabia, and Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano in September. 4 marks the first time a female boxing match has caught the attention of Madison Square Garden.
Taylor’s title defense against seven-division champion Amanda Serrano was one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Luckily, for boxing fans, the bout really matched the pre-fight hype. Serrano’s pressure clashed against Taylor’s boxing skills, and luckily for Taylor, she was awarded a decisive victory by a narrow margin.
Now, Katie Taylor (21-0.6 KOs) is ready to end the year with a defense of her undisputed lightweight crown. When she was preparing for the match against Serrano, she knew quite well what to prepare. Taylor knew she was facing an experienced multi-division champion, a strong puncher, and she was tested.
With the next championship just over a week away, Taylor faces another move with her new rival. Karen Elizabeth Carabajal is an undefeated boxer, but it’s hard to determine the true extent of her talent as Carabajal is unknown to the public and she has never fought outside of her native Argentina. The only boxing fan familiar with Karen Elizabeth Carabajal is her promoter, former two-weight world champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana.
Carabajal has a track record without a trace, and based on her official résumé, Taylor must consider her a worthy competitor. Taylor won’t have the luxury of a detailed scouting report as she did with Serrano. However, she is experienced enough to enter the ring and make the necessary adjustments as the fight progresses.
Although Carabajal brings an element of mystery into the fight, Katie Taylor is still the overwhelming favorite in this match. If Taylor can defeat Carabajal, it will mark her seventh successful defense of her undisputed lightweight crown.
Katie Taylor is a champion made up of a legend of the sport. If the 36-year-old succeeds on October 29, she has several suitors waiting for the opportunity to face her in the squared circle in 2023.
Amanda Serrano has voiced her interest in a rematch. If a rematch with Alycia Baumgardner isn’t possible, former WBO and IBF super featherweight champion Mikaela Mayer wants a chance against the undisputed lightweight champion.
