Taylor vs McCaskill: We ask The Panel just how highly they rate Ireland’s Katie Taylor?

Following a remarkable first year in the paid ranks, Katie Taylor makes the first defence of her world title but how highly do our Panel rate the Irish star?

Carl Froch

Technically she’s great, she’s got fast hands and a high work rate, so she basically has the lot. What I do like is the way she goes for it and is never going to sit back and win on points. She wants a grandstand finish and to impress. She is doing what Layla Ali did a few years ago and is doing it here and across Europe. She’s a massive name.

Tony Bellew

She’s a brilliant fighter, goes to head and body well, has fast hands, hits hard and is levels above the people she is facing at the moment, I really don’t know who could test or push her. I’m just looking forward to seeing her progress, I’m sure unification fights are out there. It’s tough to compare her to Claressa Shields, who really can fight, because of the different weight classes.

Johnny Nelson

Yes she is a big name, especially in Ireland, but she loves the game way more than the fame. I like – and have been impressed by – everything about her. Potentially she could be the biggest name, anywhere, for women’s boxing. She doesn’t have to play games, trash-talk, she stays out of the limelight and gets commended for her fantastic boxing ability. That’s it.

Paulie Malignaggi

She can go from first gear to fifth gear really, really fast. She will go from being on the outside, stalking, eyeing her opponent then all of a sudden she closes the gap with fast feet and a five or six-punch combination. I love the way she does that and you can only do that if you are really passionate not just about your boxing and training, but your boxing style. She wants to entertain.

Jamie Moore

Her hand speed is great, her punching is great, but it is hard to compare her with other women boxers. Taylor is the one spear-heading women’s boxing. In 10, 15, 20 years time, people, not just girls, will look back and want to be as good as and achieve what she has. Taylor is a phenomenally talented fighter.

David Coldwell

I rate Katie Taylor and think she’s a very good fighter. It’s no surprise that she became a world champion. I’m over the moon for her and her coach.

You can watch Katie Taylor against Jessica McCaskill, Martin J Ward versus Juli Giner and Conor Benn, Lawrence Okolie, Josh Kelly and Joe Cordina in action at York Hall live from 6pm this Wednesday on Sky Sports Action.

(c) Sky News 2017: Taylor vs McCaskill: We ask The Panel just how highly they rate Ireland’s Katie Taylor?