Katie Taylor says that boxing's exclusion from the 2028 Olympics is a "huge blow" - and believes it will turn prospective boxers away from the sport.
As it stands, the International Olympic Committee has removed the sport from the Games in LA in five years' time.
There also remains a threat to its inclusion in Paris 2024, with the IOC set to run the boxing tournament at the Games last year - as it did in Tokyo.
READ MORE: Katie Taylor says she will deal with the extra pressure as Irish homecoming nears
Taylor, who inspired a generation with her gold medal triumph at London 2012, is aware of the damage boxing's exclusion will cause - to the amateur and pro sides of the sport.
"With the Olympics, it's a huge blow for boxing in general," said Taylor.
"Ever since I was a kid my dream was to win an Olympic gold medal – that is all I dreamt of.
"It is quite sad if it does go out of the Olympic Games. Kids will grow up without that dream.
"I think it would be a huge blow to even professional boxing because the biggest incentive for boxers is the Olympics - and if you don’t have that it might put a lot of people off the sport.
"I think this could be a big blow to the sport as a whole. So, I hope they can sort out their issues because the Olympics is a huge part of boxing."
READ NEXT:
Evan Ferguson told to learn from Robbie Keane's ill-fated move to Inter Milan by Tony Cascarino
Kerry GAA star Paudie Clifford pays tribute at funeral of mother Ellen: 'We will miss her so much'
Roy Keane and Gary Neville have made feelings clear on Declan Rice price tag
Star mare Princess Zoe removed from Tony Mullins' yard after disagreement between trainer and owner
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
