Boxing: Katie Taylor not keen to turn professional

Published on 19/10/2012 00:00

Olympic boxing champion Katie Taylor has announced she will shun the professional ranks and remain amateur.

Taylor was one of the stars of the London Games with Irish fans packing the ExCeL Arena as she powered her way to a lightweight gold medal.

Speculation immediately started as to whether she would turn professional and cash in after a glittering amateur career which has seen her land four world titles and five European crowns in the 60 kilogram division.

But the 26-year-old says she wants to continue fighting for her country.

She said: “Boxing for my country, there’s nothing better than that really and bringing home medals for my country.

“I’m going to stay amateur and hopefully I’ll defend my title in Rio in four years’ time.”

She later added: “I want to fight for my country and bring home medals.

“I think when you are a professional boxer you are always so concerned about getting the right fights. I just want to wear the Irish vest and fight for my country.”