Katie Taylor has said she is hoping to continue her dominance over the coming months as she continues her preparations for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport about the first ever European Games, which are taking place in Baku in Azerbaijan from 12-18 June this year, Taylor said it would be “a privilege” to be involved.
“I think in years to come this competition is going to be one of the most important for European athletes, next to the Olympic Games,” Taylor said. “It’s such an exciting tournament to be involved in.”
"The stadium is the Crystal Hall where the Eurovision was; I hope we do better than the song" - Katie Taylor
The inaugural games are being held in a country with a rich boxing heritage, and Taylor has predicted that the atmosphere will be electric.
“They have such a strong boxing nation, and it’s always great boxing in venues where they’re so knowledgeable about the sport as well.
“The atmosphere is going to be electric in the stadium. I think the stadium is the Crystal Hall where the Eurovision was; I hope we do better than the song [Jedward’s Waterline failed to impress during the 2012 Eurovision].”
European, World and Olympic champion, Taylor will go into the games as favourite, a position she said she relishes.
“I love being the favourite, of every competition,” she said. “I’m the one that everyone is trying to beat. I’m in a privileged position, but I still feel like the best is yet to come, and people still haven’t seen the best of me yet, and that is so exciting for me.”
