Former unified super featherweight champion Mikaela Mayer is aiming to secure a mandatory showdown with Katie Taylor, who is currently the undisputed champion at 135-pounds.

Mayer will make her lightweight debut on April 15 against Christina Linardatou at the Copper Box in London.

Mayer is looking to bounce back after last year's split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner.

"I didn't want to take a step back in any way, so I told my team that I wanted to take on a top contender and I think it's kind of fun to take on someone like Linardatou, who did beat Baumgardner," Mayer told Sky Sports.

"She is a top contender. She's only lost to Delfine Persoon and Katie Taylor. I need a good boxer to motivate me and be a challenge."

Because Mayer already holds the WBO's number one ranking at 135, and Linardatou sits at number three - Mayer believes the sanctioning body will make the winner the mandatory challenger to Taylor.

"This is the way to go about it, become mandatory," Mayer said. "This is what I want for my career. I want to go out swinging, challenging the best possible fighters and putting on the biggest shows.

"That was my plan. Coming to 135-pounds, my goal was to go for the champion. Whatever division I'm in, the goal is to go for the champion. I'm really excited that winning this fight will put me back in position for a world title."

Before she gets to that world title shot, Mayer wants to bank a statement win against Linardatou.

"I definitely have to win this fight, regardless of how I win. I would love to look amazing and really show the world that I'm still the greatest, because that's how I feel and let it all out this time," Mayer said.

For her part, Taylor is heading up to junior welterweight on May 20 to face undisputed champion Chantelle Cameron. It's not clear if Taylor will remain at 140-pounds if she wins.