Friday 28 October 2016 06:28, UK
Katie Taylor has signed a professional contract with Matchroom Boxing and will make her debut in the paid ranks next month.
London 2012 gold medallist Taylor will fight for the first time under professional rules when she appears at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on November 26, live on Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old five-time world amateur champion, who has spent half her life in the ring, will then fight on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's IBF heavyweight title defence in Manchester on December 10.
The former Sky Academy Sports Scholar has been linked with a move into the pro ranks since missing out on an Olympic medal in Rio this summer where she suffered a surprise defeat in the quarter-finals.
"When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown," Taylor said. "Now because of my journey and the incredible supporters who came along with me, female boxing is as much part of the fabric of the Olympics as its male counterpart.
"Now I want to do the same for the professional sport and I hope those who have supported me along the way will come along with me. I'm excited for the road ahead."
Promoter Eddie Hearn described Taylor as a role model and said he was excited by the news.
"Today marks a significant day for our sport with the news that Katie is joining the professional ranks," he said.
"She is one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all time and a public icon in Ireland. I met Katie for the first time last week and was fascinated by her desire to not just win world titles but to break down the barriers of women's boxing; she is an incredible role model.
"Boxing is a sport open to all but it's also an entertainment business. Anyone who has watched Katie fight knows how exciting she is and anyone who hasn't is really going to enjoy her journey on Sky Sports. I'm really excited by this challenge and we are committed to giving Katie the opportunities she needs to achieve her dreams."
Sky Sports' head of boxing, Adam Smith, said: "Katie is an outstanding boxer and this is great news for her and all the fans who have followed her incredible career.
"She has shown what an inspiration she is to young people through her role as a Sky Sports Living For Sport ambassador, and we're very excited for her first professional fight live on Sky Sports in November."
