The Lord mayor of Dublin Oisin Quinn with Katie Taylor assd they announce the fight between Katie and Melissa Parks from the US as part of her Road to Rio preparations. Image: Ross Waldron.
Olympic Champion Katie Taylor will host a second fight night in The Mansion House on 29th November as part of her ‘Road to Rio’ preparations for next year’s IABA World and European Championships and ultimately the 2016 Olympics Brazil. Katie has been vocal about a perceived lack of support from he feels she is not being promoted enough by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.
NewsFour had a super quick chat with Katie and – apart from speaking about her main passion; boxing – found out about her favourite bands…
NewsFour: Katie, you have captured the hearts of our nation and one of my main questions for you and others is how do you feel about the fact that the Irish media and the Irish Amateur Boxing association has stopped supporting you in full force?
Katie: Yeah, it’s a big disappointment because we need that support to keep pushing forward and if they want us to be successful and to bring home medals. I am very surprised by it really because we are the most successful sport in the country. We are constantly bringing home medals from every competition and we bring so much pride to the country.They better get their act together!
NewsFour: To be as successful as you are, what kind of sacrifices did you have to make?
Katie: Well I suppose you have to be consistent with your training, you’re training twice a day, 6 days a week. There were times when I missed parties, but that’s what you have to do. I started when I was 10 and over the years you have to make those sacrifices to be successful but it’s always been worth it in the end.
NewsFour: Our time is nearly up already, so really quickly what’s your favourite band?
Katie: Snow Patrol and Kings of Leon. I haven’t got any VIP tickets yet though!
NewsFour: And finally have you got any advice for our NewsFour readers who want to take up a career in boxing or any other sport?
Katie : Just enjoy yourself, stay focused and just train as hard as you can that’s all you can do really, but most importantly you have to enjoy your sport as well.
By Donna Dunne
