‘Momentous’ Katie Taylor Fight will make the Hardship Worthwhile for ‘Emotional’ Deirdre Gogarty
Deirdre Gogarty admits she will be emotional sitting ringside when Katie Taylor steps through the ropes at Dublin’s 3Arena on May 20.
The original Irish female fight trailblazer has been invited by Matchroom at Taylor’s behest to attend the Irish sporting hero’s first fight in Ireland as a professional – and will be in the front row when the Bray fighter fights Chantelle Cameron for undisputed light welterweight title status.
Taylor’s first fight hero is delighted to be afforded the chance to lend her support to the undisputed world champion, who wrote to her as a 11-year-old expressing her frustrations with not being allowed to box.
The American based Louth native will also take some personal pride in seeing Taylor top a huge bill in Dublin.
Gogarty had to leave Ireland to follow her fight dream, as female boxing was illegal in Ireland at the time, so being present at the famous Dockland’s venue for a fight night, that is eagerly anticipated around the world and is sphere headed by a female fighter she inspired, will be special for her.
The fighter heralded by Ireland’s greatest ever sports star as a ‘true pioneer for women in boxing’ says watching Taylor and Cameron trade leather for all the light welterweight marbles helps make all her efforts feel worthwhile.
“It will be an amazing, and emotional, experience to sit ringside at such a momentous event, on so many levels,” she said.
“To think that women weren’t allowed to fight in Ireland, to now headlining one of the biggest fights in Irish history, is incredibly gratifying. It makes all the struggles, frustrations, and setbacks of my career worthwhile, to see that today’s women have the opportunities they have rightfully earned.”
Speaking previously on Gogarty Taylor said: “She was a true pioneer for women in boxing and one of my heroes growing up. She’s been a huge support to me over the years and it’s women like Deirdre and her fights with the likes of Christy Martin who paved the way for myself and the current generation of female fighters.”
The Deirdre Gogarty Legacy committee are trying to raise funds to erect a statue of the star in Drogheda and will run “An evening with Deirdre Gogarty” on May 19th in the Crescent Concert Hall to raise funds.
