Katie Taylor’s proud father Pete said his daughter's epic win in New York on Saturday night all began with “what the majority thought was an unrealistic dream”.
The father of the Bray fighter broke his silence on his daughter’s epic win at Madison Square Garden against Serrano, from Puerto Rico, on Saturday night in New York – as President Michael D Higgins, Hollywood royalty and major sports stars led the tributes.
Moments after Katie’s win, Pete shared an old video of her, filmed when she was just 15 while she was training at St Fergal’s Boxing Club in Bray, Co Wicklow.
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The video shows a young, shy Katie training with Pete as he outlined her gruelling training regime and how he first took her to boxing training when he didn’t have a babysitter to mind.
He told how she began sparring with the boys at the club and from there her love for the sport grew.
The video also sees Pete talking about how great it would be to see Katie at the Olympics some day.
Captioning the old footage, Pete proudly said: “It began with what the majority thought was an unrealistic dream. To say I’m proud of all that Katie has achieved is an understatement.
“Nothing is impossible, find that passion, your purpose, be persistent and work relentlessly towards fulfilling that dream,” he added.
On Sunday, President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Michael Martin paid tribute to the 35-year-old fighter.
President Higgins said it was “another fantastic achievement in her monumental career”, while the Taoiseach said: “Congratulations Katie Taylor on a win borne out of courage, determination, skill and stamina.
“The whole country is very proud of you, and all your achievements over the years.”
Meanwhile, Hollywood legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson led the well wishes to Katie after her epic win on Saturday night.
He said her fight was a “historic night in boxing”.
“What a monumental, defining and historic night in boxing.
“Been enjoying this build-up. So happy for and proud of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and all the women of boxing. Long overdue, but inspiring to see. LFG!!!”
A-lister Charlize Theron chimed in, saying: “About f***ing time! Only took 140 years to get 2 female fighters to headline MSG, but Katie Taylor & Amanda Serrano did the damn thing. You ladies inspire the hell out of me & women everywhere – can't wait to watch!”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney tweeted a photo of Taylor after the fight, saying: “What an incredible athlete and champion. Congratulations Katie Taylor – you make so many people so proud. #Ireland”.
Niall Horan was also on hand to back his Irish pal, writing: “What a performance from both ladies!! So happy for Katie Taylor,” while former One Direction singer Zayn Malik added: “@katietaylor just fought with the tenacity and determination of a true great. Watched a piece of history tonight.”
There were also well wishes from members of the boxing world.
Andy Lee simply wrote: “The best ever,” while Barry McGuigan said: “Congratulations Katie and Amanda. What a fight.”
UFC fighter Conor McGregor called Ms Taylor “the greatest”.
“Absolutely incredible boxing! Take a bow ladies! What a contest!” he tweeted.
British boxer Amir Khan tweeted: “Well to both fighters . . . the fight lived up to all expectations. What a fight, toe to toe action! Well done on the win Katie, showed amazing heart.”
American welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr tweeted: “Fight of the year so far.”
The American former lightweight boxing champion Ryan Garcia said: “I just witnessed one of the best fights ever and in my humble opinion Katie pulled it off.”
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