Sky Sports will broadcast Katie Taylor’s first ever professional fight on 26 November live from Wembley, following the announcement that the Olympic Champion has signed with Matchroom Boxing.
Taylor’s success in the amateur boxing sees her widely regarded as the outstanding Irish athlete of her generation with her 15 year career garnering five World titles, six European titles and Olympic gold at the London 2012.
The Bray boxer has had a long-standing relationship with Sky, initially as part of the Sky Academy Sports Scholarship scheme, which provides financial support and mentoring, before London 2012. Taylor, as a Sky Academy Ambassador, also spearheaded the launch of Sky Sports Living for Sport in Ireland in 2012, the free secondary school programme that uses sports stars and skills learnt through sport to build confidence and develop life skills.
The 30 year old now turns her attentions to conquering the paid ranks and her path to World titles begins in London on November 26 before a second pro outing before the end of the year at the Manchester Arena on December 10 on the undercard of the IBF World Heavyweight title defence of fellow gold medal star Anthony Joshua MBE.
“When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown,” said Taylor. “Now because of my journey and the incredible supporters who came along with me, female boxing is as much part of the fabric of the Olympics as its male counterpart. Now I want to do the same for the professional sport and I hope those who have supported me along the way will come along with me. I’m excited for the road ahead.”
Sky Sports Head of Boxing Adam Smith said: “Katie is an outstanding boxer and this is great news for her and all the fans who have followed her incredible career. She has shown what an inspiration she is to young people through her role as a Sky Sports Living For Sport ambassador, and we’re very excited for her first professional fight live on Sky Sports in November.”
More analysis and reaction to follow.
