By Jonny Stapleton

If all was fair in love and boxing Irish fight fans could consume the World Women’s Champions relaxed in the knowledge that Katie Taylor would claim her fourth consecutive world title and qualify for the Olympics this week.

However, the fight game is as complex ruthless and heartbreaking as the game of love-and although as the greatest female boxer on the planet Taylor has the ability to claim gold their is a distinct fear she won’t secure the London 2012 spot that seems made for her.

After Joe Ward was robbed in the last male European Olympic Qualifiers in Turkey there has been apprehension surrounding Taylor’s latest world assault.

Not that people doube her ability. In an ideal world the Taylor should hold the key to her future in her gloved hands, but in boxing your destiny can rely on a number of factors.

Although Taylor will point out a number of talented pugs that could cause her trouble, as she faces the biggest five fights of her career, poor judging and indeed tactical judging is the only way, it seems, one of Ireland’s greatest ever sports stars can be beaten in China.

Considering the aforemention you might suggest the former Irish soccer star’s fate lies in the hands of the judges, Taylor however disagrees, she is adamant her destiny will be decided by God.

“Whatever happens — win, lose or draw — I know it’s God’s will. All I can do is my best,” she says softly.

As female boxing’s poster girl and one of the stars used to convince the Olympic Council to draft women’s boxing  to the Olympic curriculum, Taylor  deserve a spot in London.

Olympic gold is a lot more valuable than the gold’s handed out at European and World Championships. An Olympic Gold shines brighter and attracts awe from the masses not just fight fans. Taylor is one of Ireland’s all time great sports stars, but doesn’t get the recognition deserves.

Victory in London would cement her name in Irish sporting history and folklore, but the three time world champion and unique female fight force claims her legacy shouldn’t be determined by London 2012.

Jesus Loves

“At the end of the day my legacy doesn’t depend on whether I win an Olympic gold medal or not. I’ve already done so well throughout the last few years. This is just a dream that I have, a goal that I have, so I’m going to train as hard as I can and try my best and just leave it in God’s hands then,” Taylor told the Examiner.

Taylor may talk of leaving things in the hands of the Almighty, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t worked hard since she won Ireland’s first ever female boxing match. She has blazed a trail in the female boxing world and has a record unmatched on the international stage bu any Irish fighter.

In keeping with the God theme she attributes as much of that success to the bible as she does to the work done with her father and trainer. However, being world number 1 and having a god in corner still doesn’t allow for any over confidence in the humble softly spoken Taylor.

“Mental strength is something you either have or you haven’t, The Bible is my sport psychology manual. God is my psychologist. And my Dad is probably the best sport psychologist in the world.”

“I don’t get complacent because I know if you slack off, you’re going to be found out. This is international boxing and every fight is a tough fight. I’m winning these competitions because I’m boxing well in these competitions; it’s not like I’m just turning up on the day and boxing.”