WHILE MANY PEOPLE have recently suggested that Ireland’s Katie Taylor can take women’s professional boxing to the next level, she is by no means the only star involved in the sport.
Like Taylor, US boxer Claressa Shields similarly decided to turn pro after Rio.
The double Olympic gold medallist, who was also trained by Taylor’s former coach Billy Walsh in the lead up to the 2016 Games, is set for a historic night.
It’s been confirmed that Shields will be involved in the first women’s boxing match to achieve main-event status on premium TV (i.e. channels such as Showtime, which require viewers to pay an additional fee on top of what is already being paid for cable) in the US.
Shields — who had a famously fiery but ultimately successful working relationship with Walsh — faces Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados at Detroit’s MGM Grand on 10 March.
It is quite an achievement for the 21-year-old from Flint, Michigan, in what is only her second fight as a pro.
Following the news, Shields said via her Instagram: “The NABF (North American Boxing Federation) was one of the first titles that the great Muhammad Ali fought for and won after his 1960 win at the Olympic Games!!!! To be given the opportunity to follow in his footsteps is an honour! And I’ll continue to carry his legacy!”
In addition, just under a month after Shields’ landmark evening, Taylor is set for the third fight of her pro career on the David Haye-Tony Bellew undercard on 4 March.
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That’s a pretty misleading headline in fairness. You’ve taken him out of context there
I don’t think ‘These games are great for practicing’ is taking anything out of context.
It looks like a poor attempt to paint the bloke in a negative, unsporting light.
I’d have to disagree there. A small change turns an innocuous comment about the nature of the autumn series into a dig at Ireland, as if he considered the match as nothing more strenuous than a warm-up with a practice squad. Needless sensationalism, in my own humble opinion.
Yeah, bad headline
The headline says “Ireland were great for practicing against, declares hooper”
What he actually said was “these games are great for practising and getting systems in place”
He made no specific reference to Ireland as opposed to any other team they play this autumn, but from reading the headline you would think he was disrespecting Ireland.
In fairness Patrick your usually fair enough but I think your off the mark this time.
The headline says “Ireland were great for practicing against, declares hooper”
What he actually said was “these games are great for practising and getting systems in place”
He made no specific reference to Ireland as opposed to any other team they play this autumn, but from reading the headline you would think he was disrespecting Ireland.
In fairness Patrick your usually fair enough but I think your off the mark this time.
I agree it is misleading…looking to stir something up…
Totally agree. The headline says something totally different to what the article reports. Headline suggests they totally disrespected Ireland which couldn’t be further from the truth judging by his full comment.
Incorrect Patrick, there’s quite a bit of difference between the two statements and the headline suggests a personal lack of sportsmanship directed specifically at Ireland.
The Journal, sharp in it’s early incarnation, has become increasingly sloppy with headlines and content over the last while and is no longer first port of call here for news or sport.
Another misleading headline
He did not mention ireland at all.
my granny would walk through that irish defence
She must be quick
Your headline is f@#kin joke. Typical. This site is gone to hell!
Has thejournal got a new editor recently? The headlines lately are ridiculous.
I’m really starting to get annoyed with the sensational tabloid headlines
Headline completely out of context. Trying to justify it is even worse.
Cheers for the comments and feedback. We have changed the headline to reflect Hooper’s drive to win three Tests in a row, for the first time, with the green & golds.
Cowboy
This site is getting worse by the day. Sad effort of a headline in fairness. No need for it.
Lmao…He just telling the truth…
It’s common sense what he’s saying
The score/the Sun
The Score is quickly slipping into Tabloid territory, come on lads, clean it up!
He’s right In a way! You could practice anything you like against that irish team?