IRISH BOXING SUPERSTAR Katie Taylor has admitted that it was 'amazing' to see so many fans come out and support her ahead of her light-welterweight fight with Chantelle Cameron on Saturday.
The Bray native admitted that she was happy to see Irish fans and also that she was glad that she could impact the lives of younger children.
"It's amazing to think I'm only a few days away from making my homecoming fight," claimed Taylor, speaking at a press conference in Dundrum Shopping Centre on Thursday. "I'm just so excited about it. It's brilliant to see so many people there on Wednesday as well, so many young kids there, they must've got the time off school - I'm not sure how they all ended up there.
"Just amazing to see so many young girls especially. It's very cool to be able to have an impact on some of those younger kids."
There had been rumors about Taylor fighting Amanda Serrano in Croke Park. However, due to a conflict between the GAA and Matchroom, that 80,000-capacity venue was not chosen for Taylor's homecoming. After lengthy discussions, the 3Arena was selected as the venue for Cameron and Taylor's fight.
After the Regency Hotel shooting in 2016 and another shooting outside the National Boxing Stadium in 2018, hosting top-level boxing events in Ireland seemed unlikely.
FACE OFF 👀@KatieTaylor vs @chantellecam
👑 Undisputed World Super-Lightweight Championship#TaylorCameron | DAZN pic.twitter.com/scs2aYSzje— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 18, 2023
Taylor's impressive record of 17-0 (8 KOs) has all come outside of Ireland, and this will be her first professional bout in her home country.
The reason Taylor couldn't fight at home was due to security concerns and the chance of another shooting happening at a high-level boxing event.
But fast forward to 2023, and the fight between Taylor and Cameron will finally take place at the 3Arena.
Taylor now wants Irish boxing to head into a new era and leave the past behind.
"We're turning a new leaf for Irish boxing," Taylor added. "Hopefully, this is the first of many nights in Ireland. Young girls are looking up to myself and Chantelle. It's absolutely fantastic.
"They're going to grow up with big dreams as well."
The main event is set to get underway at 7 p.m. BST, with the main event ring walks scheduled for 10:31 p.m. BST. The Taylor vs. Cameron fight is available on DAZN in Ireland and in more than 200 countries.
Taylor v Cameron undercard
- Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron; For Cameron's IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO women's super lightweight titles
- Terri Harper vs. Cecelia Braekhus; For Harper's WBA women's super-welterweight title
- Dennis Hogan vs. James Metcalf; Super-welterweight
- Gary Cully vs. Jose Felix; Lightweight
- Thomas Carty vs. Jay McFarlane; Heavyweight
- Caoimhin Agyarko vs. Grant Dennis; Super-welterweight
- Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Kate Radomska; Flyweight
