BOXING: Taylor Named Boxer of The Year

Ireland's Katie Taylor was named AIBA female boxer of the year in Moscow this morning.


The award completes an incredible twelve months for the 22 year old Co Wicklow woman who retained her World lightweight title at the 5th AIBA Women's World Championships in Ningbo City, China last month as well as collecting the boxer of the tournament award.


Speaking from Moscow, Taylor, who is coached by her dad, Peter Taylor, said that she was very proud to accept such a prestigious honour.


She said: "I would like to thank AIBA for this very special award, it means a lot not only to me but also to all female boxers who practice our beautiful sport. Women's boxing is amazing at the moment, the level is increasing and the recent Women's World Championships were a perfect example of the very high standard we find ourselves competing in.


"This award is great recognition of the excellent progress women's boxing has made in recent years and I would like to dedicate it to all the female athletes around the world who are training hard and competing in the hope that we will be able to participate in the 2012 Olympic Games."


The President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, Dominic O'Rourke said that Taylor's award was another proud moment for the IABA who celebrate their 100th birthday in 2011.


He said: "Katie is a tremendous ambassador for Irish sport and her achievement in retaining her World title in China and also being named boxer of the tournament was phenomenal.


"This mornings award is another proud moment in the history of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. Katie's achievements are an inspiration to everyone involved with Irish amateur boxing and a source of immense pride."

For more information contact:

Bernard O'Neill
Public Relations Officer
Irish Amateur Boxing Association
Ph: 086.0579558
Fax: 061.408627
bernard.oneill@oceanfree.net
www.iaba.ie