Katie Taylor has been given a ten-day ultimatum by the WBO to decide whether she will vacate her 135 or 140-pound belt.
The Irish boxer, with a record of 23-1 and 6 KOs, must make her decision by next Tuesday, December 5th, as per the directive from the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
This development follows Taylor's majority-decision victory over Chantelle Cameron, securing her as the new undisputed junior welterweight champion. It marked Taylor's second time achieving undisputed status, with her previous accomplishments in the lightweight division. The win also served as redemption for Taylor, who had previously suffered a loss to Cameron, albeit amidst controversy. The referee ruled a first-round knockdown as a slip, despite a clear punch landing.
Despite potential plans for a rematch at Croke Park for a trilogy, the WBO's directive requires Taylor to choose between defending the 135 or 140-pound title. Being undisputed in both weight classes, Taylor cannot defend both belts, prompting the WBO's request and a ten-day timeframe for her decision.
“If Katie Taylor wins the bout against Cameron, she has up to 10 days thereafter to determine which weight division she will retain. Failure to comply with such conditions will result in the Committee proceeding per WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
“Consequently, in light of the foregoing, Katie Taylor must decide within the timeframe provided in the referenced provision which weight division she will retain, either the Lightweight or Jr. Welterweight division,” WBO stated.
A potential defense at 135 pounds could set the stage for a rematch with Amanda Serrano, following Taylor's split-decision victory in 2022. Before the Chantelle Cameron fight, a rematch had already been agreed upon with Serrano, but it didn't materialize as she withdrew due to an injury. On the other hand, a trilogy with Cameron at 140 pounds would serve as the decisive conclusion to their rivalry, currently standing at 1-1.