By Tim McCloskey
Irish boxer Katie Taylor is coming to Philly to add another strap to her collection. The Bray Brawler, who first rose to prominence by winning the gold medal at the London Olympics, is on a collision course with world domination.
Rated the best pound-for-pound woman boxer in the world, Taylor (12-0 with five knockouts) kicks off Saint Patrick’s Day weekend in Philly in a star-studded boxing card at the Liacouras Center at Temple University on March 15. Already the WBA and IBF lightweight world champion, she will taking on the undefeated Rose Volante of Sao Paulo, Brazil for the WBO belt.
“Ever since I won my first world title as a pro, my goal has been to unify the lightweight titles, so this is obviously a massive step towards it,” said Taylor at the pre-fight press conference at a Center City gym.
“Volante is unbeaten, so I’m expecting a tough fight, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge I want. I think the better the opponent and the bigger the challenge, the better I will perform.
“I can’t wait until March 15, when I will have a chance to unify the division again and be one step closer to being the unified champion, which has always been my ultimate goal. This is exactly what boxing needs; the best fighting the best.”
Also fighting is unbeaten Jono “King Kong” Carroll of Finglas, and the Mullingar Shuffler John Joe Nevin. Carroll will be fighting North Philly’s Tevin “American Idol” Farmer for the IBF Super Featherweight title on Farmer’s home turf.
“It’s a great card to be on, especially with so many Irish fighters on the bill on Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, so I’m sure it will be a special occasion,” said Taylor.
“It is great to be in Philadelphia,” she added. “It is such a great fight city. I can’t wait until March 15 to showcase my skills again.”
The bouts will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and streamed on DAZN, through a broadcast deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Sport.
“Katie Taylor is an intriguing character,” Hearn told Ring TV. “Two or three years ago, I wouldn’t say I was against women’s boxing, but I didn’t feel like it had the potential to break through, honestly. After the Olympics in Rio, she sent me a direct message on Instagram and said ‘I want to turn pro, and I want to do it with you. Can we meet?’ She’s probably the one person I feel if it can work, it will work with her.
“In Ireland, she is a god, a queen, a goddess. She came in to meet me, and I was just mesmerized by her drive and desire. There are two things in Katie’s life – boxing and her faith. She’s a very religious person. She is fascinating to me, as a character. In this crazy world we live in, she lives the simplest of lives. She’s balanced in life. Most people are insecure – they are not happy with their job, or not happy with their life, or their looks. It is so refreshing to see someone who is just herself. She is content with life. The only thing she wants is greatness, and that’s what she strives for every day. So I had this meeting with her and I was just blown away. I said ‘We have to do something,’ and we haven’t looked back.
“The reaction she’s getting when she fights – at the Barclay Center everyone was on their feet – Roy Jones Jr., Max Kellerman – they were all on their feet. She is never in a dull fight, she always entertains, and she is just a real star. The men – male fighters – love to watch her fight. She fights like a Mexican. She can mix it up inside, she throws body punches, combinations, great hand speed, great footwork, very intelligent and all at a ferocious pace. It’s brilliant to watch.”
Many at the press conference were equally impressed with Taylor’s composure.
“Katie’s a really nice, soft-spoken, down to earth girl,” said Derm Farrell, a Philly singer-songwriter originally from Dublin who proposes to be Taylor’s #1 fan in the United States. Farrell is a huge boxing and MMA fan who regularly schedules his holidays around professional fights in Las Vegas and New York. He is excited that Katie is fighting for a world title in his adopted hometown.
“She does not seem fazed by Volante whatsoever,” he said. “Her nerves are non-existent. I wouldn’t confuse confidence for cockiness, though. Katie’s fully aware of her skill set going into these fights, and I think that’s what gives her a sense of calm. It was an honor to meet one of our country’s greatest champions who continues to rise. She’s making history for Ireland and women worldwide and we are all so proud.
“I will be attending with the rest of the masses of Irish, we’ll take over the Liacouras Center in support of all the fighters. I look forward to seeing John Joe Nevin stepping back into the ring here in Philly once again, and watching fellow Dub Jono Carroll. Gabe Rosado is a Philly fighter I’m looking forward to seeing in action, and Hammerin’ Hank Lundy is a beast. We are very lucky to have such a big Irish and Philly card falling on St. Patrick’s weekend and we couldn’t be more excited.”