Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor has admitted she thought her long-awaited homecoming would never come to pass. This weekend, Taylor takes on Chantelle Cameron in Dublin's 3Arena in the Super Lightweight division.
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.
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.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Taylor admitted that she doubted a fight in Ireland would ever happen but also showcased her joy at being able to make the fight a reality.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be the one to bring big-time boxing back to Ireland," Taylor told reporters in Dundrum Shopping Centre.
"A few years ago, I didn't think this fight was ever going to happen, I didn't think my homecoming was ever going to happen, so I'm absolutely delighted this is happening. It's not just any normal fight; this is one of the biggest fights in boxing, and I think it will be a new day for Irish boxing."
'This is a massive event for Dublin and Ireland so obviously the authorities will want to make sure it goes smoothly' - Eddie Hearn plays down security concerns, while Katie Taylor sets about making history in her homecoming, @OFlynnPaul reports from Dundrum pic.twitter.com/v3vmJNP9Qp
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 17, 2023
"This is absolutely huge for a nation. We are a nation who absolutely love our sport, we love our boxing, and it's one of our most successful sports. We're so happy to bring boxing home.
"When I started boxing as a pro, this is one of the things I obviously wanted to do: to become the undisputed champion and to box in front of my home crowd. Just a few days later, making that happen, that's amazing.
"The atmosphere is obviously going to be absolutely electric, with 10,000 Irish people screaming for you. It's going to be amazing. My whole family is going to be there, and I'm just pinching myself that it's only a few days away."
The undefeated Cameron is Britain's first female undisputed champion and fights in a weight division above Taylor. She has laid down the gauntlet to Taylor, saying, "I have a fire in my belly. The amount I have been overlooked, already people are looking past me. I'm the champion, I've got the belts, but I'm not being treated like that," added Cameron.
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
