‘Befitting of a Legend’ – Andy Lee Hails Katie Taylor’s Croke Park Farewell as a Significant Cultural Moment
Aaron Dunne Reports from the Helix
Andy Lee has hailed Saturday night’s Katie Taylor send-off extravaganza as one “befitting of a legend” and described it as a “significant cultural moment for Ireland”.
The Limerick native and former WBO World Middleweight champion was on hand on behalf of DAZN at the Main Event press conference which launched the Croke Park fight at Dublin’s DCU Helix Theatre on Tuesday, and he was gushing in his praise of the retiring champion.
“You can see by the crowd that’s here today… it’s hard to put into words the significance of this moment for Ireland. Not just as a sport, but significant culturally. This is unheard of.
“What she’s achieved… she’s broken down barriers her whole career, from amateur all the way through to professional. This send off is befitting of a legend of Irish boxing.”
Lee also paused to take note of the task ahead, a genuine challenge from an undefeated French woman in Flori Pili who is putting her two world title belts on the line.
“It tells you everything about Katie – everything about the person that she is. It would’ve been easy for her to take a soft opponent. But she’s taking on a fellow champion who’s undefeated.
“It’s gonna be a real fight – she’s gonna have to concentrate in that ring, make sure she’s prepared for her own self and to make sure she controls her emotions.
“But this has been on the cards for a long time – everyone doubted she could sell out Croke Park. But look what happened, it sold out instantly. The atmosphere will be difficult to deal with, but if anyone can, it’s Katie.”
