Taylor’s focus on Rio

Olympic champion Katie Taylor has decided to stay in amateur boxing and hopes to defend her lightweight title in Rio in four years time.

Taylor announced her decision on the Ray D’Arcy Show on Today FM. “Boxing for my country, there’s nothing better than that really and bringing home medals for my country,” she said. “I’m going to stay amateur and hopefully I’ll defend my title in Rio in four years time.”

The Bray champion has had numerous offers to turn pro but wants to add to her haul of four straight World Championships and five European titles. The next major event for her is the European Championships, which take place in 2013.

The OCI are delighted with her decision and are looking forward to working with Katie and her father Peter on the lead up to the Games in Rio 2016.