Katie Taylor has confirmed that she will remain an amateur boxer despite being offered a number of professional contracts.
The gold medallist has been mulling over her future for months but now has decided that she wants to remain amateur and thus will defend her Olympic title in four years’ time in Rio de Janeiro.
Katie’s gold medal fight against the Russian was a real nail-biter.
Not that we need to repeat it but Katie beat Russia’s Sofya Ochigava in a dramatic Olympic final in London earlier this year to take home gold. The 26-year-old from Bray was then considering going pro after her historic victory.
Today RTÉ reported that Katie’s father and coach, Pete, said that a lot of thought went into it and his daughter wants to stay amateur.
On her way to collect her medal, Katie wearing the country’s colours.
When we spoke to the champion a few weeks ago she admitted that while she was thinking about going pro, she loves nothing more than representing her country: “I would love to stay amateur and defend my title in four years’ time but I have to see about contracts.
“I’ve been offered a few nice professional contracts but I love amateur boxing and boxing for my country. I’d love to do it again for another few years if I get the opportunity,” she explained.
And we love nothing more than watching you in the ring Katie. Can’t wait for the 2016 Olympic Games now!
