WORLD-HEAVYWEIGHT boxing champion Tyson Fury has stated his desire to witness Ireland's Katie Taylor fight at Croke Park before she retires from the sport.
Earlier this year, negotiations between the Bray native and Matchroom promoter CEO Eddie Hearn initially took place with the GAA regarding the hosting of a fight at Croke Park. However, talks collapsed due to security cost concerns.
Subsequently, Taylor finally had her long-awaited homecoming bout later this year, facing Chantelle Cameron in Dublin. Unfortunately, this contest occurred at Dublin's smaller venue, the 3Arena.
In November, Taylor suffered a majority decision defeat in the match against Cameron, prompting swift discussions about a potential rematch from both camps.
The boxing sensation is now scheduled to face Cameron once again on November 25, in the same venue where their initial encounter took place.
Despite being 37 years old and approaching the twilight of her career, Fury is firmly behind Taylor's aspiration to fulfill her dream of competing at Croke Park before retiring from boxing.
“I’d love to witness Katie eventually have a fight at Croke Park down the line. It has always been a goal of hers, and I'd be thrilled to see her achieve that aspiration one day. Undoubtedly, Katie Taylor is an absolute legend in the world of boxing," Fury said
Women's boxing is currently enjoying a peak period, with several prominent figures in the scene Notable boxers such as Cameron, Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Savannah Marshall, Natasha Jonas, and Kellie Harringhton are all familiar names to the public. Nonetheless, the Gypsy King insists that for the sport to progress further, a transition to three-minute rounds is needed.
In women's boxing, championship bouts typically consist of 10 two-minute rounds, unlike men's boxing, which employs 12 three-minute rounds.
“One key adjustment required is a switch to three-minute rounds. The current structure is too reminiscent of amateur boxing. These women are not amateurs; they are dedicated professionals," Fury added
“They train just as rigorously as anyone else and deserve the recognition of competing in three-minute rounds, akin to male boxers. Let's align it more with the practices of the UFC."
“I believe it's crucial for everyone, particularly those at the highest echelons of the sport, to support this change and advocate for women to contest 12 three-minute rounds. Once this shift occurs, I anticipate a significant expansion in the sport's depth and scope.”