World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has hailed Katie Taylor as “phenomenal” as the Bray boxer prepares for her second professional fight this weekend.
Taylor will be part of the undercard of Joshua’s IBF title defence against Eric Molina as she takes on Vivianne Obenauf in Manchester.
Joshua, like Taylor, won gold at the Olympics in 2012, was not present for the win against Karina Kopinska but has been keeping track of the early stages of her pro career.
Joshua told IFL TV: “I would have gone done and watched her but because I'm in camp I was just chilling out. Look at her. Look at her personality, how she handles herself. Look at what she has done in the ring since the amateurs. It's unbelievable.
“Look at what she is about to do as a pro. You can just see the angels of the boxing arena shining their light down on her. As cheesy as that may sound, she is phenomenal.
“She is one of the women that will take women's boxing to the next level. I give all credit to her and I wish her all the success.”
On a packed night of boxing, which includes the much-talked about meeting of Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora, Taylor has once again been put in the limelight by promoter Eddie Hearn.
She will not take part in the undercard press conference today which includes Whyte and Chisora, but instead will be part of Joshua’s media duties on Thursday.
Joshua said: “She is a big asset to boxing. Eddie’s shows are events, right from the bottom, right the way up. It’s not just about one fight. She is a massive asset to this show.”
