It was her stated ambition since entering the professional ranks barely three years ago and now that she has achieved her ambition of unifying the world titles in the lightweight division, her hometown of Bray, Co. Wicklow was keen to welcome her back with open arms with a reception late Friday evening.
Taylor earned a majority decision against gritty Belgian fighter Delphine Persoon inside Madison Square Garden on Saturday to place her name in rarified territory as someone who holds all the major title belts available in her weight category.
She admitted that the win was a “dream come true” and that a rematch with Persoon is practically inevitable, though her management have intimated that the Belgian may not be next and that a bout with the 37-1 Amanda Serrano is a possibility.
“There was definitely pressure in last week’s fight but I think there’s pressure in every single fight I go into,” Taylor said to the assembled crowd.
“Every fight I’ve had as a professional fighter has been a huge stage and every single fight is so important.”
‘The two of us are definitely history-makers’: Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) talks Conor McGregor’s (@TheNotoriousMMA) impact on combat sports | https://t.co/7MAcNBigo0 pic.twitter.com/5vDw2g4Tqf
— TheMacLife (@Maclifeofficial) June 6, 2019
Katie Taylor looking forward to the Persoon rematch pic.twitter.com/R3pStdfmFH
— Ailbhe Conneely (@AilbheConneely) June 7, 2019
Fantastic turnout at the @KatieTaylor homecoming! 👏
Undisputed 👑👑👑👑👑
📸 Tommy Dickson Inpho pic.twitter.com/SMZVmEFF7I— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 7, 2019
When a picture paints a thousand words. @KatieTaylor‘s incredible journey continues to inspire the next generation. 📸 @TommyDD97 / @Inphosports pic.twitter.com/mmkiP8pDC4
— Brian Peters (@BPPboxing) June 8, 2019
The reception, which was hosted by RTE personality Des Cahill, also featured a video presentation showing highlights from Taylor’s historic bout last weekend, as well as clips from her record-breaking amateur and professional career.
“It is truly an honour for Bray to welcome home Katie Taylor. We are immensely proud of her achievements to date and look forward to celebrating many more victories for Katie in the future,” Wicklow County Council chairperson, councillor Irene Winters said.
Image: Tommy Dickson Inpho
