Taylah Robertson will meet Shannon O'Connell for the Commonwealth Female Bantamweight title on Saturday October 23. (Photo: Tapology)
With just three professional fights under her belt, Taylah Robertson (3-0, 1 KO) could be excused for feeling nervous ahead of her Commonwealth Female Bantamweight title bout on Saturday, October 23.
Competing in a high profile main event against one of Australia’s best, with a regional belt on the line is an opportunity that most fighters are not privy to, no less one at such an early stage of their career.
Robertson does not fit the “most fighters” mould, however.
Rather than being overawed by the spotlight, she is embracing the challenge that comes in the form of former World title challenger ‘Shotgun’ Shannon O’Connell (21-6-1, 10 KOs).
While the 23-year-old concedes that the contest is a bit of an unexpected step up, she will enter the Gold Coast convention centre for Tasman Fighters’ Gold Coast Fight Night II full of conviction.
“I wouldn’t say that any of that pressure has got to me, with all of those things on the line,” Robertson told The Inner Sanctum.
“I didn’t expect to be fighting this calibre, this early in my career. I thought I’d have maybe a couple more fights down the line. In saying that, I still think I’m 100 per cent ready for this fight.
“We’ve been training really hard and we’ve ticked off every single box that we need to tick off.”
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After a decorated amateur career that returned a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Robertson made the move to the professional ranks in February 2020.
In a short time frame, she has already captured the Australian Female Bantamweight title, following a decision win over Callie Ryan earlier this year in June.
Under the tutelage of manager and trainer Glenn Azar, the Queenslander is determined to ensure that lightning strikes again. Adding a Commonwealth title to a Commonwealth games medal is akin to achieving destiny in her eyes.
“I just feel like history is going to repeat itself in the professionals,” Robertson claimed.
“It’s not actually got to me at all. I’m actually just excited that it’s on a good platform.”
Just as important as title achievements is Robertson’s desire to create a positive example for women in sport. In such a male dominated space, a showcase main event with O’Connell helps to lift an ever-shifting ceiling that continues to rise as more females ascend to prominence in boxing.
In short, her message is centred around showing that odds can be beaten with a dogged work ethic and determination to achieve goals.
“We’re all out here working hard to create the pathway for other people to then follow through. So that does make proud to be on a stage as a female in the main event,” Robertson told.
“We’re pathing a good pathway for female boxing, so that’s just exciting me even more, and we’re creating a good fight.
“I’m super proud.”
As fight week preparations draw to a close, confidence levels are at a high point ahead of bout number four. Set on utilising a strong amateur pedigree, Robertson aims to display her prowess across all 10 two minute rounds.
While full of recognition for the toughness of O’Connell, belief in her well-honed skill set remains unwavering.
“I think it’ll be done over the 10 rounds,” Robertson predicted in conclusion.
“She will be a tough fight and I know that in the ring, she will come to fight.
“I’ll out class her. 100 percent.”
Tasman Fighters’ Gold Coast Fight Night II goes down on Saturday October 23 from the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
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