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While her trophy cabinet is overflowing with gold medals and world title belts, perhaps her greatest legacy is leaving women’s boxing in a vastly better place than she found it – that Serrano trilogy lifting women’s boxing to new heights.<\/p>\n
Taylor broke through the barriers with a grace which belied the obstacles she faced yet her quiet determination and humble nature will serve as an example of what can be achieved by belief, hard work and a refusal to accept her lot as young girls can now walk the path she laid.<\/p>\n
Fierce inside the ring yet unassuming outside of it – even factoring in an impulse-buy speedboat, since sold – superlatives such as trailblazer, icon and Ireland’s greatest sportsperson are not hyperbolic, for Taylor’s status as a legend is in no way cliched.<\/p>\n
She has indicated she will remain in the sport, but for now, there is time to savour an extraordinary career, with her place among boxing’s greats set in stone.<\/p>\n
Irish boxing is going to be a lesser place.<\/p>\n
“I’m retired now so I can eat what I want, but I’m just going to enjoy a nice celebration and look back on a dream ending to a dream career.<\/p>\n
“My story is the story of everyone in this room: we all have our ups and downs. I think people resonate with your vulnerabilities and your successes – saw me cope with the heartbreak of Rio, the Chantelle Cameron loss and personal difficulties.<\/p>\n
“My story is the story of everyone in this room.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n