Katie Taylor has paid tribute to her father and former trainer Pete Taylor for the work he has done for her career and women’s boxing.
Pete Taylor was Katie’s coach through her amateur career, and was in her corner for all of her early success, including her Gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.
However, the iconic duo’s partnership came to end in 2016, in a difficult year for the Taylor’s, with Katie Taylor unexpectedly losing her quarter-final in the Rio Olympics. Outside of the ring, Pete left the family after his marriage ended to Katie’s mother Bridget.
Ahead of the Bray fighter's successful defence of her lightweight titles on Saturday, Katie and Pete embraced one another in the weigh ins in a rare public appearance together since 2016, with Pete currently training Irish lightweight boxer Gary Culley who secured a knockout victory on the undercard.
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Katie took the time on Instagram earlier today to praise her dad for the work he has done not just for her, but for the progress of women’s boxing.
“Inasmuch as people have given me credit for the inclusion of women’s boxing in the Olympics, it would not have happened without me Da tirelessly campaigning outside the ring.
It is as much a part of his legacy as it is mine. He saw a future for this sport that few others saw.”
This lovely tribute by Katie Taylor comes as Pete came under the spotlight after heavy criticism by Kellie Harrington in her book.
The Olympic Gold medallist claimed that not only did Pete Taylor hold her back in the early stages of her career, but also claimed he held back the progression in women’s boxing.
Pete came back swinging on his Instagram story this morning, strongly denying the strong accusations made by Harrington in her book.
“I feel I have to address the lies and scandal Kellie Harrington has tried to create regarding my role in female boxing, to generate book sales.
I'd like to start by stating that I am proud of my role and efforts both with the IABA and AIBA working to get female boxing recognized and for spearheading campaigns to get female boxing sanctioned in Ireland and as an Olympic sport.
Kellie would unlikely be in the position she is today if it wasn't for that: FACT.”
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