‘Spun the game on its head’ – Hearn heralds trailblazer Taylor ahead of ‘historic’ night
Katie Taylor has transformed professional female fighting much to tje benefit of women fighters around the world suggests Eddie Hearn.
The Bray sensation was the ultimate amateur trailblazer, going from pretending to be a boy to get fights, to eventually persuading International Olympic Committee to include women’s boxing in the programme for the 2012 Olympics.
The boxing revolutionary, who wants to be known as a sensational boxer rather than a standout female fighter, didn’t stop there and has now transformed the pro game.
Pre-Taylor, female fighters struggled for spotlight and opportunities, but one of Ireland’s greatest ever sportspeople has brought women’s boxing to the top of bills and onto PPV cards. There are still arguments about pay parity, but some of Taylor’s opponents have jumped from earning barely five figures to comfortably banking six.
Her success and popularity has also paved the way for a host of other talent to emerge – and according to her promoter Hearn she is the reason Sky and DAZN can broadcast a big night of boxing headlined by three female world title fights.
“This a historic moment,” said Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn.
“A huge night of boxing that will be headlined by not one but three women’s World Title fights. Katie Taylor has spun the game on its head since she turned pro and has paved the way for so many great female fighters. Katie faces the second Mandatory Challenger during her undisputed reign in tough undefeated Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez. This is a major statement from us and our broadcast partners, don’t miss an incredible night on November 14.”
Speaking about Taylor and the November 14 fight night Sky Sports’s Head of Boxing Adam Smith gushed that “Katie Taylor continues her epic journey as one of the world’s elite boxers on a terrific triple-header of women’s world title action,”
“The Irish star displayed grit and determination in a punishing rematch win over Delfine Persoon in Fight Camp, and her renowned skills should also be on show against Miriam Gutierrez.”
The other two world title fights involve Terri Harper in a mandatory defence against Spanish-Norwegian Katharina Thanderz and in a fairy tale story Rachel Ball has a chance to become World Champion against controversial Aussie Ebanie Bridges.
