KATIE TAYLOR HAS signed a professional contract with Matchroom Boxing and will make her debut at London’s Wembley Arena on 26 November.
The Bray boxer’s first pro fight will be shown live on Sky Sports, with her opponent yet to be announced.
Taylor will also be on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF heavyweight title defence in Manchester on 10 December.
Taylor has been weighing up her options since relinquishing her Olympic title in Rio and has agreed terms with Eddie Hearn’s company.
After dominating the amateur ranks for over a decade, during which she won five World titles, six European crowns and an Olympic gold, the 30-year-old will now look to make her mark in the pro game.
“When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown,” Taylor said.
“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.”
Hearn, who has been closely following Taylor’s progress for the last four years, said: “Today marks a significant day for our sport with the news that Katie is joining the professional ranks.
“She is one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all time and a public icon in Ireland. I met Katie for the first time last week and was fascinated by her desire to not just win World titles but to break down the barriers of women’s boxing, she is an incredible role model.
“Boxing is a sport open to all but it’s also an entertainment business. Anyone who has watched Katie fight knows how exciting she is and anyone who hasn’t is really going to enjoy her journey on Sky Sports. I’m really excited by this challenge and we are committed to giving Katie the opportunities she needs to achieve her dreams.”
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Good on her!
Best of luck to her
Excellent move for her. Eddie Hearn is one of the best promoters and will definitely look after her best interests. Expect a world title fight in 18/20 months.
Delighted for Katie
I’d expect it within 12 months. 4/5 fights then a world title.
Jaysus…she’s a tad late turning Pro @ 30 yrs old not to mention her dip in form of late. Should’ve done this 6 or 7 years ago.
@Mick Collins: Yeah….I wonder if the level in Pro is lower/higher than in the amateur game.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
Better late than never. Auld dog for the long haul. Best of luck Katie, u are one of our Best.
@Fozz: The level in women’s professional boxing is pretty low overall. A lot of the title holders have pretty poor records.
It won’t be very difficult for Katie to win a world title. Depends on whether she fights at light-welter or weltherweight. Welterweight is probably the best division in women’s boxing, but she can still do it.
Well done. I hope she will be paid her fair share.
Good luck as a pro Katie. You are a great ambassador for Ireland and sport generally..
Who is the actual champ in her division ?, or do we wait till she beat someone we never heard of & jump on the band wagon then.
Depends if she chooses to fight at super featherweight or lightweight. She fought at 60kg at Amutaur but 60kg is in between featherweight and lightweight at pro level.
Very little quality in women’s pro boxing.
Brilliant comment. If only bandwagon jumping was an Olympic sport….
She will make mince meat out of the lot of them, You can only show so much in the amateurs.
Wishing Katie every success for her future.
Too little, too late Katie. Should have done it after London.
BS she is still in her prime. She was ahead of the game for a while they game caught up a bit but she’s still got all the tools to be a world champ as a pro
This over-rated woman will get her ass handed to her, nothing against her but the irish media treat her like the second coming and the irish public swallow the whole lot.
All the best Katie
You foolish woman Katie Taylor. Know when to quit, and get out of that game..ask Barry Mc Guigan for his advice, before you too get head injury, from which you’ll never recover.
The best of luck to her
About time she did . she’s brilliant
May her God protect her
Best of luck to Katie
A bit late now, 30, she’s on the slide and then decides to turn pro, should have done this after London.
Should have tried UFC. Who’s she going to fight in women’s boxing?
Best of luck, Katie.
I don’t think Katie had any intentions of turning pro but the way the Olympics turned out it seems more currupt then ever. Katie was well paid through sponsors as a amateur. most of the Irish Olympic team is after going pro since. Paddy barnes be turning 30 as a pro. women’s pro boxing is still a working progress at least Eddie will put her in a lot of telly events and get her exposure. I can’t see women’s boxing taking of the way the ufc women’s did. Wish her all the best and even now she is still world class talent. Who still has what it takes to be world champion
Good Luck to her!! She’s a trouper!!
Good luck to her.
Good luck to her. Hope she does very well.
Excellent. Well done, change was badly needed!!