Katie Taylor excited by prospect of world title bid after US debut

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Katie Taylor is on course for a WBA World Lightweight title shot after stopping Texas southpaw Jasmine Clarkson on her US debut in New York’s Barclays Center.

The 2012 Olympic champion could now meet Cecilia Sofia Mena for the WBA belt if the Argentinian claims the crown vacated by Uruguay’s Cecilia Comunales in San Miguel next Friday.

Anahi Esther Sanchez, who is also from Argentina, is likely to be confirmed as the opponent for Mena, although – given the explosive form Taylor is in – the Bray woman would probably take the fight now with just a six-day turnaround.

Taylor had her hand raised in victory for the sixth time in her pro career after Clarkson’s corner retired their fighter at the end of the third round in Brooklyn.

“I just can’t wait to bring home my first world title,” said Taylor who coincidentally also beat an Argentinian, Erica Anabella Farias to claim her first World Elite amateur title in New Delhi in 2006.

“I hope it’s the first of many fights over here (the US) for me. I definitely feel I’m ready for a world title. I’m willing to fight whoever steps into the ring. It’s going to be an exciting few months.”

Clarkson, who had never been stopped in her 12 previous fights, was backing off as early as the first round against the marauding Irishwoman.

The second and third rounds saw Taylor punishing the Dallas southpaw with combinations and, with Clarkson offering little resistance, her corner wisely short-circuited the scheduled eight-rounder soon before the bell was sounded for the fourth.