Tuesday 22 November 2016 16:32, UK
Katie Taylor makes her professional debut on Sky Sports on Saturday, but what’s so special about her?
She's the best female boxer in the world, right?
Taylor has only competed as an amateur, but has won everything on offer. Finally, she's opted to remove her headgear and join the pro ranks.
She sounds successful…
It all started a decade ago. Taylor has won gold medals at the world championships in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. She's also found time to clock up six European championships in the same time-frame plus five EU titles.
I remember her from those Games!
You should do. Taylor was Ireland's flag-bearer, underlining her importance to the country, before going on to become the first ever women's lightweight Olympic champion.
Wow. Sounds like one of Ireland's best sportspeople?
Absolutely, and they support her accordingly. Even in London this weekend, expect a passionate following when she emerges.
So she's virtually unbeatable?
Well, Taylor went unbeaten as an amateur for 11 years, from 2005. But it hasn't been plain sailing of late.
Oh, what's happened?
This year, she only won bronze at the world championships and was eliminated early at the Olympics. A failure, by her own high standards.
Any reason for that?
So who trains Taylor now?
She's relocated to America and is now trained by Ross Enamait, a move which apparently spurred her to turn pro.
Tell us a fun fact about her?
Taylor has represented Ireland at professional football. She was a striker, it is perhaps no surprise to hear, who scored twice in 11 caps.
A gifted all-around athlete, then…
Taylor credits her athletic ability to her faith. She is a fervent Christian.
Finally, should I know any other female fighters?
Claressa Shields, the American who has trumped Taylor by winning two Olympic golds, won her pro debut just last weekend.
Who's Taylor fighting this weekend?
Karina Kopinska, a veteran of 24 pro fights. But she's lost 14 - winning seven, drawing three. Taylor is already pencilled in for Anthony Joshua's December 10 undercard.
Katie Taylor v Karina Kopinska is part of a busy Wembley Arena bill, which also includes Ohara Davies v Andrea Scarpa, Martin J Ward v Ronnie Clark, and Ben Hall v Carson Jones, with live coverage starting at 8pm on Sky Sports 2.