Katie Taylor turns professional; set for debut in Wembley

Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Katie Taylor will make her debut as a professional boxer on Sky Sports at the SSE Arena in Wembley next month.
Katie Taylor turns professional; set for debut in Wembley

The Bray boxer won five world titles, six European titles, and an Olympic gold in a stellar amateur career. However, she had a disappointing 2016 relinquishing both her world and Olympic titles.

The 30-year-old will now try her hand in the paid ranks with the goal of winning a world title. She will fight on a Matchroom card on November 26 at the SSE Arena, Wembley, in London with her second fight coming on December 10 at the Manchester Arena on the undercard of the IBF World Heavyweight title defence of British boxer Anthony Joshua.

Taylor said she hoped she could bring the same attention to female professional boxing as she has done for female amateur boxing.

“When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown,” she said. “Now, because of my journey and the incredible supporters who came along with me, female boxing is as much part of the fabric of the Olympics as its male counterpart.

“Now I want to do the same for the professional sport and I hope those who have supported me along the way will come along with me. I’m excited for the road ahead.”

Taylor’s manager, Brian Peters, highlighted her contribution to Irish sport and getting female boxing into the Olympics.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Katie again,” he said. “She’s is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest ever athletes, a national treasure, and a true pioneer for women’s sport. She was hugely instrumental in getting women’s boxing into the Olympics and now she wants to make a similar impact on the professional side of the sport.”

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn lauded Taylor as an “icon” in Irish sport who was determined to break down barriers.

“She is one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all time and a public icon in Ireland,” he said.

“I met Katie for the first time last week and was fascinated by her desire to not just win world titles but to break down the barriers of women’s boxing. She is an incredible role model.”

“Boxing is a sport open to all but it’s also an entertainment business. Anyone who has watched Katie fight knows how exciting she is and anyone who hasn’t is really going to enjoy her journey on Sky Sports. I’m really excited by this challenge and we are committed to giving Katie the opportunities she needs to achieve her dreams.”

Sky Sports Head of Boxing Adam Smith described Taylor as an “inspiration” to young people as well as being an “outstanding boxer” who had already had an incredible career.

Tickets for November 26 went are on sale at Matchroom Fight Pass Pre-Sale priced at £40, £60, £100 and £150 for VIP tickets.

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