Jamie Conlan: “No One Is Katie Taylor’s Equal” – But Every Fighter Should Follow Her Blueprint
Katie Taylor’s achievements inside the ring have established her as one of the defining figures in Irish sporting history, but Jamie Conlan believes her attitude outside it is just as remarkable.
The former world title challenger’s brother Michael, a teammate of the Irish Icon in the Irish amateur setup, would probably know the Bray boxer better, but the Conlan Sports boss has been an educated admirer of the legend throughout both her amateur and pro careers.
Speaking to Irish-boxing.com after the Olympic gold medal winner stepped away from the sport with victory in Croke Park last month, the Belfast man, who runs a show in his home city this weekend, praised not only the scale of the occasion but also the humility with which Taylor continues to carry herself.
For the former Commonwealth Champion, Taylor’s greatness is not simply measured by titles, victories or the crowds she attracts. It is also reflected in the way she treats others and the example she sets for the next generation.
“Any accolade you could say to her or any pedestal you could put her on, she’s bigger on it than better on it,” Conlan said.
“And her ability to brush it off is something that a lot of people should take note of.”
It was a striking assessment from someone who has spent years around professional boxing and understands the pressures that accompany success.
He believes the Irish boxing icon possesses an aura that she does not necessarily recognise in herself, allowing her to approach others without the sense of superiority that can accompany sporting success.
“Her humbleness, or how she kind of carries herself, and the aura that she kind of has and doesn’t even realise that she has there,” he said.
“There should be a blueprint of how she does things that we can share with other fighters. How she does it is how everyone else should do it.”
It is a powerful endorsement, particularly in a sport where confidence and self-belief are essential ingredients.
“A lot of people think that they are her or equal to her, and no one is her equal,” Conlan adds.
“But in her head she’s everyone’s equal. It’s amazing.”
For Conlan, that is part of what makes Taylor so special and he was delighted she got a special Croke Park farewell.
“The production that Matchroom had put on and the staging of the event and the whole kind of experience,” he said. “You know, there are very few fights that my wife asked for a ticket for, and that was one of them.”
The significance extended beyond the result itself. It was an occasion that people could share with family and friends, creating memories that would last long after the final bell.
‘The Mexican’ believes that is what separates the truly historic sporting occasions from ordinary fight nights.
“It’s something that we’re all going to about talk about in 50 years’ time,” he said.
“You’re going to be talking to other people about and saying that you were there and you’re able to say you’re part of that experience.”
