Irish star makes her pro debut against Pole Karina Kopinska at Wembley as she hopes to develop into a mainstream sensation
KATIE TAYLOR wants to do for boxing what Ronda Rousey has done for mixed martial arts.
The Irish star, 30, makes her pro debut tomorrow at Wembley Arena against Pole Karina Kopinska.
5Katie Taylor will make her pro debut against Karina Kopinska at Wembley ArenaCredit: Sportsfile
And she plans to become a mainstream sensation — like ex-UFC world champion Rousey.
London 2012 Olympic lightweight gold winner Taylor said: “I’d like to do what Rousey has done in UFC and raise the profile of our sport.
“UFC take female fighters seriously and they claim equal billing to men. That’s huge.”
And having won every major amateur prize, Taylor is sure she can cut it in the paid ranks.
5Ronda Rousey walks on stage for her face off with UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes after UFC 205Credit: Getty Images5Women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes meets Ronda Rousey in preparation for their UFC 207 fight on December 30, 2016, at Madison Square GardenCredit: Getty Images5Katie Taylor is in reflective mood ahead of launching her pro boxing careerCredit: Sportsfile5Katie Taylor hopes to become a global star as she gets ready to fight Karina KopinskaCredit: PA:Press Association
She added: “It is important to be financially secure when I’m finished as it’s a short career but I am not motivated by money.
“It’s a new challenge, that’s what is exciting.
“I’d love to win a world title, unify the belts, go up the weights and win more titles.”