Proud Katie Taylor heralds Irish Women’s Team as the Cuba of female boxing
The Irish women’s Team are now the Cuba of female boxing says Katie Taylor [22(6)-0].
The undisputed lightweight world champion feels the current crop of female amateurs are as talented, as feared and as respected as the great Cuban teams that were nigh on untouchable at major boxing tournaments.
The trailblazing Bray star believes the likes of Kellie Harrington, Michaela Walsh, Amy Broadhurst, Aoife O’Rourke, Michaela Walsh, Lisa O’Rourke, Christina Desmond et all make up the most dominant team in world boxing at present – and she delights in seeing them win numerous medals in big championships.
It’s also something the Olympic gold medal winner takes serious pride in considering all she did to change the face of the sport both amateur and pro.
“Looking at the current crop of female fighters we have in the country is phenomenal,” she told Irish-boxing.com.
“Looking at those girls coming back winning gold medals from the European Champions, World Championships, Olympic Games, that to me is absolutely incredible, that’s probably the most satisfying part of this.
“When I was competing in those kinds of competitions I felt like I was the only girl coming back with these medals but we are seeing a whole group of female fighters who are consistently coming back with gold medals. I think we have one of the best and most dominant teams in the world right now. It’s really incredible. I feel like we are like the Cuban national team from all those years ago the way we are dominating. It’s amazing and the talent coming through is incredible.”
The majority of that amateur talent will herald Taylor as their hero and the fact women’s boxing is facilitated by the powers has roots in Taylor’s early career and her talents. Two things that only add to her legacy.
However, speaking after she won a 16th world title fight by beating Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in London on Saturday night, Taylor talked down her legendary status.
As ever humble she said: “I find those comments so humbling and I don’t see myself as an Icon. I’m just a normal athlete like everyone else, but it is great to be in a position where I can have an influence on the next generation of fighters.”
