KATIE TAYLOR hopes her switch to the professional ranks can take exposure of women’s boxing to a new level.
The Bray lightweight makes her professional debut against Poland's Karina Kopinska at Wembley Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Taylor recognises the huge support she’s received throughout her incredible boxing career, but female amateur boxing is hard to come by on television.
With Matchroom Boxing giving Taylor the headline slot on a Saturday night show, the 30-year-old acknowledges it’s an important step for both her and her sport.
“This is absolutely huge for women’s boxing,” she told The Irish Post. “To have women’s boxing on live TV on a big show like this is just so massive.
“This is the start of something very, very special for myself and for women’s boxing.”
Taylor is the poster girl for the rise in interest in women’s sport, particularly in Ireland, with the most spectated female sporting event in Europe over the last two years being the All-Ireland Ladies Football final in Croke Park with over 30,000 in attendance on each occasion.
“It’s incredible to think that people’s minds have changed so much and people’s perceptions of women’s sport has definitely changed for the better,” added Taylor.
“I’ve always had incredible support but the thing that has been missing for my sport is the TV coverage, which is so crucial.
“That’s why this is so important.
“This is such a huge event, it’s pro boxing and the start of a new journey for myself and to be on the big shows – like the Anthony Joshua show in a few weeks (in Manchester) – is huge for me and the sport.”
