KATIE TAYLOR HAS hinted she will now strongly contemplate making the move to women’s professional boxing, provided the right offer comes along.
Speaking at a press conference in the aftermath of her gold medal win yesterday, she told reporters:
“I don’t really know much about women’s professional boxing to be honest. The competition at amateur boxing is probably a lot better.
“But if somebody comes and offers me a contract for professional boxing, I’ll have to consider it. But we’ll make that decision in the next few weeks.”
Becoming a professional boxer would certainly be an intriguing move for Taylor, with many already calling her the best female boxer in the world in light of her recent achievements.
And the Bray native paid tribute to other athletes for inspiring her on her road to success, namely Sonia O’Sullivan.
“It’s crazy because when I was growing up, Sonia was my hero,” she said. “She’s the greatest athlete the country’s ever had. And she’s just been here all week supporting me. She’s been unbelievable and so approachable, and easy to talk to.“I’ve learned so much just from watching her as an athlete and the character she’s shown.”
Taylor also added that she hoped “some girls watching on TV would aspire to be an Olympic champion” after seeing her fight.
In addition to drawing inspiration from O’Sullivan, Taylor also said she took encouragement from the male Irish boxers’ performances earlier in the week.
“Hopefully they will be inspired. I’ve been inspired by the lads. Paddy was unbelievable. And Michael’s heart – when it comes to heart, nobody can beat Michael. You do work off those things.
“We’re all here to support one another. So things will go well for them too, please God.”
And asked what were the essential ingredients in making Taylor an Olympic gold medalist, she responded:
“I’ve trained so hard since I was 10 or 11 years of age. I had great people and family around me. And most importantly, I serve an amazing God and without him, I wouldn’t be here with this gold medal around my neck. He’s the main thing in my life and the most important thing in my life.”
In addition, Taylor paid tribute to the “incredible” support offered both in the arena during her fight and throughout Ireland all week, while highlighting the role of her father, Pete, as being crucial to her success.
“The minute I started boxing as a ten-year-old, I’ve always dreamed of being an Olympic champion. My Dad has always pushed for that and if it wasn’t for my Dad, women’s boxing wouldn’t even be in Ireland right now.
“He’s the one who put the pressure to get women’s boxing going in the country and from then on, we just took it step by step. I started going to international competitions when I was 17, and it just grew from there really.”
