Just over a year ago Katie Taylor announced herself to the world of professional boxing in impressive fashion, stopping Poland’s Karina Kopinska in the third round.
After building a substantial profile as an amateur, winning five world championships and a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics the Republic of Ireland fighter suffered a disappointing early exit at the Rio Games last summer.
Going out of a major tournament so early on after being tipped by many to defend her crown was a major blow for Taylor and it was always going to be a test of her mental strength responding to such a setback.
When she joined the pro ranks and signed with Matchroom Boxing there was a real chance for her to build a significant profile in a short space of time with promoter Eddie Hearn keen to uncover her potential.
Showing a steely focus and a huge professionalism, the Bray boxer quickly bounced back from that defeat in Rio, proving too much for Kopinska at Wembley Stadium.
Keen to push on after that bright start in London the 31-year-old was then pitted against Brazil’s Viviane Obenauf just a month later.
The South American fighter was supposed to serve as a significantly stronger opponent, with nine victories during her 10 previous bouts, but Taylor was just a class above.
Although she couldn’t find the stoppage there was never any danger of defeat, as Obenauf struggled to live with her mazy footwork, speed and variety of punches.
Taylor showed no signs she was about to give up her 100% record anytime soon overpowering Monica Gentili with a series of thunderous blows that eventually helped her find the knockout in round five.
Heartache at the Olympics was now a distant memory for Taylor as she continued to brush aside anyone who stepped into the ring with her.
Keen to continue her pursuit of becoming a world champion the lightweight boxer made the brave move to fight over in the United States in what was just her sixth professional match.
Taking the decision to go and fight in America can often prove daunting for far more experienced fighters yet Taylor showed she was more than comfortable with the change of scenery. A barrage of power once again saw her ease to victory, stopping Jasmine Clarkson in three rounds.
Last month Taylor’s extraordinary journey in such a short space of time culminated in the small matter of a maiden world crown. Going up against Argentina’s Anahi Sanchez for the WBA lightweight title was by no means a straightforward assignment for Taylor.
Sanchez, from Buenos Aires, who had lost just twice in her previous 19 fights, was touted as the woman that might well erase Taylor’s 100% record. However, once the bell rang for round one it was immediately apparent she could not live with the Irish fighter’s speed.
Although she survived a seemingly fatal knockdown in the second round before going the distance Taylor had looked the superior boxer from start to finish, easily convincing the judges she deserved the win.
Now that she is a world champion the next big test will be to see if she can cope with the pressure of staying at the top. However, if the last 12 months are anything to go by she is only going to prove a formidable obstacle for any woman who likes the look of the WBA crown.
