Sean Crose
“This is absolutely unbelievable,” undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor said just days before her Saturday match against undisputed lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron in Ireland, Taylor’s hometown. “We are only two days away from returning to our homeland to fight. I think one of the things that I wanted to achieve when I first turned pro six years ago was to fight here at home. This is a country that loves their sport, loves their boxing, and for a very, very small country, we are very good at it too. It’s great to bring the great boxing back to this country once again, where it belongs.”
With that said, Taylor is aware of the seriousness of Saturday’s game. To become undisputed in two divisions is a rarity. “This is no ordinary fight,” Taylor continued. “This is the undisputed champion versus the undisputed champion. This was a very special match, one of the biggest boxing matches I believe. I think we are definitely turning a new page for Irish boxing. Hopefully this is many people’s first night here in their home country of Ireland.”
Taylor, by nature a polite and positive person, sees what she and Cameron are doing as inspiration. “Even just looking at the public practice the other day,” she said, “just look at a lot of young boxers out there, young girls watching the practice in public. They’re admiring me and Chantelle and all the other fighters, that’s amazing. It’s great to be in a position where you’re influencing the next generation of boxers. They will grow up with big dreams and big ambitions, which is amazing. That’s what legacy is all about, isn’t it, paving the way for the next generation of fighters. That generation of warriors will do even more than we have ever done. That is the real legacy.”
Taylor took a moment to reflect on her own challenges as a boxer. “When I was growing up at the age of 9 or 10 with these big dreams, I didn’t have the Olympics at the time, we had a lot of obstacles and a lot of boundaries in the way. Here, we are creating a much easier path for the next generation of fighters. Surprised. Just a few hours ago, I met Deirdre Gogarty, my hero growing up. She was the only female warrior I knew at the time. The influence she’s had on my career has been amazing, I could have had the same influence on some of the young girls coming into the sport. I saw the war slip out of my hands, May 20lame pants the day has passed. I don’t use social media much but when I do, I guess I can make a big impact.”
All in all, Taylor is thrilled to be at such an important event this weekend. “I knew that Chantelle wanted this fight, too,” Taylor said. “It was a very easy fight to do. As soon as the Tweet appeared a few days later, the fight was really on. Two undisputed champions going head-to-head is hugely important to the sport and it has all the elements that make for another epic battle. I never choose the easiest challenges – I want the biggest tests and the biggest challenges. I had the opportunity to be the undisputed champion in two weight classes on Saturday night in front of my home audience. This is so special.”
