Taylor taking next steps on Road to Rio

Olympic champion Katie Taylor was described as “the best ambassador for sport that we ever had in this country” by Minister of State Michael Ring yesterday in Castlebar.

Minister Ring made his comments as it was officially confirmed that Taylor’s next two steps on ‘The Road To Rio’ will see her box twice in 48 hours next month.

The Bray native returns to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin on March 22 when she takes on Ukrainian champ Yulia Tsiplakova before heading for the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on March 24 when she faces old rival, Denista Eliseeva — who remains the last boxer to have secured a victory over Taylor.

The two met in Eliseeva’s native Bulgaria back in February of 2011 in a multi nations tournament with Eliseeva awarded a controversial points win. Taylor and her Dad Pete were left baffled by the decision after what appeared to have been a clear-cut win for the Irish woman. Taylor has since avenged the defeat and can now look forward to a meeting with Eliseeva on home soil.

Following her win in Dublin on Sunday night, Taylor met fans in Mayo yesterday and confirmed details of next month’s bouts.

The show will be promoted by Brian Peters and the North Mayo-based Geesala Boxing Club.

“This will be a night to remember,” explained Peters. “I want to show a different angle to boxing as seen through the eyes of the Taylor family.

“Ross Whittaker [IFTA award winner] has been following Katie and her family in an effort to see what makes her tick.

“This should be a phenomenal night with the live possibility that Katie could be beaten. We’ll add some culture, showbiz and special features that will make this a never-to-be-forgotten occasion,” he concluded.

Tickets for the upcoming bouts in Dublin and Mayo are available from Ticketmaster.ie or the theatre box offices on 0818 719 377.