Katie Taylor can boost the profile of women's boxing all over the world if she turns professional, says fellow Olympian Paddy Barnes.
The 30-year-old has been linked with move into the pro ranks since missing out on a medal in Rio this summer and is reportedly in talks with Matchroom Boxing.
Taylor won gold at London 2012 and has been crowned world amateur champion five times since pulling on the gloves for the first time 15 years ago.
Barnes, who turned professional after disappointment in Rio, has shared many sparring sessions with the Bray lightweight and believes has the talent to become one of the sport's biggest names if she follows suit.
"Every spar we had was a war," two-time bronze medallist Barnes told RTE Sport.
"We used to kill each other. Her speed is phenomenal. She is a very, very fast boxer. Her speed and timing are out of this world.
"She can take a punch. I know myself. I know myself, I can punch hard. I've hit her clean a lot of times and she's taken it well.
"For Katie to turn professional, it will lift women's professional boxing all over the world," added the light flyweight.
"It will give it a better profile. If she was to fight in Ireland it will give other professionals the chance to get on her card because there aren't too many shows in Ireland.
"It could give every other Irish pro a good chance to get recognised. It could open the floodgates for everyone else to make a living from the sport.
Barnes believes Taylor can achieve the same success as former WBC super middleweight champion Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad, who retired undefeated after 24 straights wins, 21 by knockout.
"People all over the world know who Katie Taylor is. With her being professional and fighting on TV it could be something like Laila Ali, Muhammad Ali's daughter.
"I think Katie Taylor is going to do the same on this side of the world."