Newly crowned WBA world lightweight champion Katie Taylor will make the fist defence of her title against American Jessica McCaskill in Bethnal Green, London on December 13th.

Taylor, who is a perfect 7-0 as a professional, parlayed one of the most successful boxing amateurs careers in modern boxing history to a world title, defeating Anahi Sanchez via unanimous decision to win the WBA title.

This will the first card of Taylor’s professional career which she headlines.

Taylor’s opponent McCaskill is 5-1 as a professional (23-3 as an amateur) and is the top-ranked fighter in the United States in Taylor’ weight class. McCaskill’s camp have been vocal this year in calling to be matched up with the multiple time World and European champion.

“I’m more than happy to give her the opportunity and I certainly won’t be avoiding anyone as a champion,” Taylor said of the bout.

“I truly believe this is only the start of things for me. I want all the belts and the biggest possible fights over the next few years.”

McCaskill, meanwhile, is confident that she can be the first boxer to provide a realistic challenge to Taylor.

“I have a lot of respect for this sport and for Katie Taylor, but I will be bringing that belt and respect back with me,” she said.

“I want to be known as the number one in America and the world title is definitely the goal.”