THE golden girl of Irish boxing Katie Taylor has made her long-anticipated move to the professional ranks after inking a deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Sport.
The Bray woman, who won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and five world titles during a hugely successful amateur career, will make her professional debut at Wembley Arena on November 26.
Taylor will quickly follow her debut by supporting world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Manchester on December 10: "When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown," said the 30-year-old.
"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 added that he was happy to have added a boxing "icon" to his stable: "Today marks a significant day for our sport with the news that Katie is joining the professional ranks," he said.
"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."
Taylor will be managed by Meath man Brian Peters, who said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Katie again.
“She’s undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest-ever athletes, a national treasure and a true pioneer for women’s sport. She was hugely instrumental in getting women’s boxing into the Olympics and now she wants to make a similar impact on the professional side of the sport.”
