IN THE END, the chance to become a double Olympic champion was something more precious than money for Katie Taylor.
Ireland’s gold medallist ended speculation about her boxing future today by confirming that she will continue to fight as an amateur, turning down the temptation of lucrative offers to join the professional circuit.
The decision means that Taylor will be eligible to defend her Olympic lightweight title in Rio in 2016. In the meantime, the 26-year-old will be a hot favourite to add to her dizzying career record which includes four World Championships and five European Championships.
“Boxing for my country, there’s nothing better than that really and bringing home medals for my country,” Taylor told the Ray D’Arcy Show on Today FM.
“I’m going to stay amateur and hopefully I’ll defend my title in Rio in four years time.”
Another of Ireland’s London heroes, Mullingar bantamweight John Joe Nevin announced earlier this month that he intends to turn professional in the new year.
Taylor’s camp also held similar discussions with promoters including Brian Peters and Golden Boy Promotions, the US stable run by ten-time world champion Oscar de la Hoya. The pro deals on the table would have netted her in the region of a six-figure sum, Taylor speculated this morning, but the Bray native’s heart remains in the amateur game.
“In amateur boxing you’re just entered into a competition and to be the best, you have to beat the best in these competitions. You’re not waiting around to get these fights organised.”
Last week, Taylor was named AIBA Female Boxer of the Year for a historic third time.
Great girl, great ambassador for Ireland!
I don’t understand all the thumbs down for john. He is only speaking the truth. many female sports struggle when compared to their male versions. Boxing, both pro and am, is no different. Yes, katie taylor is a great irish sports star, but most of us couldn’t give 2 hoots about female boxing if she wasn’t involved.
@John,
Well, it’s Katie’s choice. I don’t know much about boxing but I feel it can and is very cruel, tough to be professional. Katie is doing what she loves and I am sure it took her a while to decide what was best for her. Anyway, she’ll earn over half a million in a short time with promotional work etc. She’s doing what she loves and wants to help other kids to live their dream.
Another Gold for us then!!
fair play :-) she done right and took her time in making the decision and imo its the correct decision i look fwd to seeing you bring home another gold in 2016 katie
@John, Not sure if you actually heard the interview on the Darcy show this morning but she admitted there was big money offered to her for Pro contracts (six figure sums she said). She also said that money is not what motivates her and she wants to continue representing her country.
fantastic news she is a credit to herself and family
A sports star who is in it for the pride and the glory and not purely for the money, so refreshing. Looking forward to many more wins now.
Hey John, what’s with leaving a bitter response on almost every congratulatory comment. We heard your opinion the first time, then a factual rebuttle came Irish Red which should have settled the argument. Why are you so adamant that all of us naive Irish agree with you? You seem like an angry person. Go to Eddie Rockets and get an Oreo Milkshake. I find they can turn any frown upside down,
Great news, go on the Katie Taylor!
fantastic news a six figure sum didn’t tempt Katie also refreshing as this country is obsessed talking about money lately
Great news for Ireland. Hope corporate Ireland gets behind her with some well earned and deserved sponsorships.
John, see that wall, go run into it!! Great news on the Katie front too!
I see John is back on his soap box!
John think you are not seeing the wood from the trees. Katie turning pro would have invigorated the female pro circuit with the right management and marketing. But the pros loss is Ireland’s gain. Think you better get off that box before u get dizzy!
Geraldine how would Katie Taylor turning pro invigorate the womens pro circuit? No one watches Womens boxing so there is no money in Womens boxing. She would have just faded away into obscurity if she went pro
@Whiskeyste her pure talent would have people going to see her. Look at what she has done for Women’s amateur boxing.
She would have gone a long way to doing similar in pro boxing.
Geraldine. You are letting emotion get in the way of fact. We have an inflated sense of kt’s influence on boxing in ireland.
She’ll make more money as an amateur than a pro. No brainer really sure who the hell watches pro womens boxing or womens boxing at all for that matter
Exactly john. Real sports fans understand this.
@John Google it? because if it’s on the internet it’s got to be true……..
She is better off staying amatuer. She has noteriety here in ireland. Can train with the team and spar with the male boxers. Live at home for the most part. Pro boxing is a muck more solitary lifestyle. You no longer train as a team. Look what happened to poor Darren Sutherland. the difficult adjustment to pro boxing was certainly a factor in his untimely death.
Monotone Taylor – she might want to consider using inflexion some time
at last….I agree….reminds me of Stephen Roche advertising Champion Cheese
It’s the best choice for her I don’t think she has the personality to go pro plus she always said she didn’t want to leave bray let alone Ireland, she will have more determination to defend her title now
I wish I was the best in the world in a sport with 8 people competing. Similar to the rugby team being 8th out of 10 teams. Great achievement!