Katie Taylor added to Limerick bill
19 April 2010 – Press Release
World and European lightweight Champion Katie Taylor is the latest addition to a star studded supporting cast on the Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena, Limerick on Saturday, May 15.
The Bray woman is widely recognised as the World’s best female boxer and Limerick’s fight fans will get to see her in action for the first time when she features in an International Amateur contest on the undercard of local hero Andy Lee’s fight with former European Champion and World title challenger, Mamadou Thiam.
The bout is all part of Taylor’s preparations ahead of her defence of the World title in Barbados in September while her ultimate target remains the London Olympics in 2012.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a hectic few months recently even managing to fit in a trip to the White House to meet US President Barack Obama. The visit came about after the First Lady, Michelle Obama, a former boxer herself heard all about Katie’s incredible achievements over the past few years in becoming a four time European Champ and two time World Champ and invited her to Washington for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House.
It was an honour to be invited to the White House and it was great to meet President Obama and the First Lady, said Taylor. She did a little bit of boxing when she was younger and like me she used to be trained by her Dad. It was a tremendous experience and I never dreamed that my boxing career would present me with opportunities like that.
Promoter Brian Peters says he’s delighted to be able to showcase the professional and amateur codes again on one event. I think Katie’s fight at The O2 last year woke a lot of people up to just how talented she is, said Peters.
Her big wins on the international stage have generally come abroad and away from the spotlight but that fight really gave her the stage her talents deserve. She is a phenomenal athlete and a terrific role model for any young athlete coming through regardless of their sport.
As a nation we have been very lucky to produce some great fighters down through the years and Katie is right up there with the very best of them. It’s shaping up to be an absolutely fantastic night of boxing in Limerick and I’m delighted that the professional and amateur codes will be working hand in hand again on this event.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night priced 30, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) and all usual outlets.
