Carruth: Katie should stay amateur

It is 20 years ago this week since Irish boxer Michael Carruth won his gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics and he says he is happy to share the feeling with Katie Taylor, who made history by winning gold in London yesterday.

The Bray woman defeat Sonya Ochigava 10-8 at a packed ExCel arena, with the country coming to a standstill to watch the heroine claim victory.

"I didn't win the Olympic games to be the only one. I am part of a universal thing which has gone on for over 100 years now.

"We're the most successful sport in Ireland out there and long may it continue because seven medals in the last few Olympic games tells you we're an inspiration to other generations."

Carruth, meanwhile, believes Taylor should stay amateur rather than taking up a professional career.

After winning yesterday Taylor indicated that she wanted to stay in the sport and would consider all offers but Carruth who turned pro after winning his Olympic title says any change in her status may mean she'll have to leave home.

"Professional boxing for women wouldn't be half as big as it would be for men and I don't think it would be lucrative enough either.

"If anything, I think she should stay amateur and continue her great run. If she turns pro, she'll probably have to find herself in America."

Meanwhile, excitement is building in Belfast, where they'll be cheering on two local boxers today.

Paddy Barnes will face China's Zou Shiming for a place in the light-flyweight final at lunchtime, and Michael Conlan is up against Cuba's Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana in the flyweight semi's tonight.

Westmeath's John Joe Nevin will also face a Cuban opponent, Lazaro Alvarez Estrada, at lunchtime, in the Bantamweight division.