Taylor plays down Tyson meeting

Pete Taylor has poured cold water on reports that Katie will meet Mike Tyson in Thomond Park in October.

Tyson is slated to appear at the home of Munster rugby on October 10 for a Q&A session with boxing fans about his controversial career.

According to promoters, Iron Mike wants to meet the best pound-for-pound female fighter on the planet in Limerick.

“We are hoping that Katie Taylor will be there on the night, because we know Mike wants to meet her, if at all possible.”

However, Peter, her father and coach, says they knew nothing about the Oct 10 promotion until they picked up on it in the media.

“No one has approached us about anything to do with Mike Tyson’s visit to Limerick and meeting Katie in Thomond Park. We only read about it in the papers,” he said.

“Even if Katie wanted to do it she will be back in training around that time anyway. I don’t think people should be trying to sell tickets on the basis that Katie will be there.”

He also said he was disappointed at comments attribu-ted to Sofya Ochigava, who Katie beat in the Olympic final in London last week.

The Russian southpaw was quoted as saying that judges favoured the Irish fighter, and also, reportedly, questioned the Olympic final result.

“Sofya is a lovely person and Katie has become friends with her over the last few years. If she did say those things I’m disappointed as Katie clearly won the final.

“You have to be a champion inside and outside the ring in this sport and learn to take your beating.”