As part of a jam-packed evening of entertainment in Cardiff this weekend, the Republic of Ireland’s Katie Taylor will face Argentina’s Anahi Esther Sanchez for the WBA lightweight world title.
The 31-year-old has looked really exciting in the ring ever since making her professional debut just under a year ago, winning all six bouts in convincing fashion.
With a chance to become a world champion in the sport how much would of an impact would a victory for Taylor have on women’s boxing in general?
With each bout the Bray-born fighter has seen her stature grow and more importantly her rise has been charted on live television for everyone to see.
By making such a step up so early on her in career it is a sure sign of her ambition to be considered a truly great fighter.
Boxing across both men’s and the women’s competitions never use to enjoy such a prolific media presence but with partnerships like the one between Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports more people than ever are following the sport.
Naturally whenever there is a boxer involved in a world title fight it garners a greater deal of attention because of the potential prize on offer and the promise of a scintillating encounter.
If Taylor clinches the WBA crown this weekend there will be likely be a whole new wave of supporters following her progress and so it will certainly have a positive effect on raising the profile of women’s boxing.
By showing she can compete at the highest level there might also be a change in attitude by those who feel like a certain standard can only be observed in the men’s competition.
Such an opinion does seem quite unjust in today’s society but like with every sport there has always been a constant battle with sexism in boxing and that is something which will take time to fully eradicate.
Most importantly a great performance by Taylor will undoubtedly enhance her reputation meaning she might possibly go on to become a household name in Ireland as well as further afield.
After winning her first fight in the US last time out there are reported further plans to continue to promote her in America and a win will certainly do that cause no harm at all.
