Defending title is Katie goal

Katie Taylor made it clear yesterday she would prefer to turn her back on the professional ranks and fight to retain her gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and the Bray boxer is expected to announce her final decision on her future within the next 10 days.

Talks have been ongoing between Taylor, her father and coach Peter, the Irish Sports Council (ISC) and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) for weeks but progress has been slow and numerous professional offers remain on the table.

Taylor opted against delving into details during a round-table chat in the Shelbourne Hotel yesterday but it is believed there is some unhappiness with the IABA’s stance and the fact the matter has dragged on for two months.