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‘We’ll claim her too’ – Eddie Hearn makes mistake of claiming Katie Taylor for Britain

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Eddie Hearn probably made his first real mistake as Katie Taylor’s promoter on the night she further cemented her status as an Irish sporting great.

Possibly Ireland’s greatest ever athlete and certainly Ireland’s most popular sports star did the country proud yet again as she joined Steve Collins and Carl Frampton on the list of Irish two weight world champions.

Victory over Christina Linardatou in Manchester saw Taylor add the WBO light welterweight world title to the four lightweight crowns she has already banked.

It’s another massive achievement in a sensational pro career, a career that Eddie Hearn does deserve some credit in facilitating.

As result the Matchroom boss is regarded highly in Ireland, even after his public disputes with Carl Frampton and Barry McGuigan pre ‘The Jackal’s’ PPV clash with Scott Quigg.

Irish fight fans even showed understanding when the promoter’s numerous ‘Homecoming’ promises never came to fruition.

However, he wasn’t safe from social media ire late on Saturday night, as he did the one things Irish fans just won’t stand by and take.

Hearn committed the ‘she’s ours’ sin and claimed Taylor for Britain. It’s something British press have been criticized for before, particularly in the case of Taylor and it didn’t go unnoticed by Irish fans post the Manchester win.

Hearn said in the ring: “First of all I want to say congratulations to a true icon, Katie Taylor.

“Everyone should be so proud of her. Ireland should be so proud of her but we’ll claim her too.”

The comments caused a stir online with upset Irish fans ready to Taylor, Jono Carroll and TJ Doheny’s promoter in his place.

The remained of what Hearn said was more than then welcomes, as he added:

“She’s just an absolutely brilliant example of how hard work, drive, determination and a dream can get you to the very, very top.

“She’s an absolute pleasure to deal with, she’s changed the sport on its head.

“Katie Taylor is an absolute legend of the sport of boxing.”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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