Katie Taylor could meet Olympics opponent Natasha Jonas

Both fighters are promoted by Eddie Hearn so a rematch could be on the cards in future

Katie Taylor could be on a collision course with old rival British lightweight, Natasha Jonas, who Taylor defeated on her way to a London 2012 Olympic gold medal.

Judged to have been one of the best fights at the Olympics, Jonas has signed professional papers with Matchroom Boxing and will make her professional debut in Newcastle on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

"There is an obvious super fight with Katie Taylor down the road but firstly we want to progress Tasha in the pro ranks and target her own world title first. She has looked excellent in camp and I'm looking forward to watching her perform under the lights," said promoter Eddie Hearn.

Hearn also promotes Taylor, so the ‘super fight’ is obviously one that can happen in the near future with Taylor first expected to fight for a world title in Ireland this autumn.

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It has been problematic finding suitable opponents for Taylor, who has easily won all five of her professional bouts so far.

Jonas, who turned 32 yesterday, is, like 30-year-old Taylor, targeting titles in her first year in the paid ranks.

“Katie has set the bar in women’s boxing and everyone has aspired to be like her,” said Jonas. “Whatever she’s done and wherever she goes she sets a good example. I’m not here to be in anyone’s shadow but I take my hat off to everything that she’s done as an amateur and now as a pro.

“I can’t wait to get started on Friday night. I want to get to the top of the game once again so it’s great to get going before the summer and we can hit the ground running in the new season. It’s always the target to aim high and as long as I put the work in the gym, the sky is the limit.”

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times