By Chris McKenna, courtesy of The Daily Star

KATIE TAYLOR’s team have held talks with UFC star Holly Holm about a future clash.

The Irishwoman could also explore the possibility of a bout with MMA fighter Ronda Rousey if the American wanted to switch to boxing.

Holm is a former professional world boxing champion while Rousey, despite falling to defeat in her last two MMA outings, would still be a big attraction.

Taylor, 31, first has to claim her first professional world title when she faces Anahi Sanchez on Saturday night for the WBA lightweight title.

Sanchez yesterday missed weight so had to vacate the belt meaning only London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Taylor can win the title.

She said: “I can’t take my past achievements into any fight, this is a very exciting time for me and hopefully the first of many big fights.

“I am expecting a difficult fight, this is a very big step up for me, but I do feel I am ready for this step up.”

Taylor went into the 2012 Olympic final with the weight of the Irish nation resting on her shoulders as the whole country waited for her to win gold.

The Bray-born boxer had won five world amateur crowns so was expected to deliver whereas she is entering a bit of an unknown against the Argentine puncher.

But the build-up to this has not been as intense for her.

“It is definitely as big for me as any fight,” she said. “I’m just treating it as the most important fight of my career. The pressure is as big as you put on yourself, I guess.

“I think it is as big as 2012 for sure. It’s going to open a lot of doors for me as well, if I come out victorious.”