KATIE TAYLOR hopes to revive the passion she felt for her hero Roy Keane in boxing.
Manchester United legend Keane (50), is known for his aggressive playing style on the football field. He claims that his favorite childhood sport was being destroyed by British stars Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and their failure to fight one another.
Keane, a former United teammate, revealed that he was an amateur boxer before becoming a pro footballer in an interview on Gary Neville's YouTube channel The Overlap.
Former Republic of Ireland skipper admitted that he finds the current heavyweight category "irritating", as the sport's politics have prevented him from seeing the matches he wants to see like Fury versus AJ.
Taylor, the undisputed lightweight queen, is not such a disappointment. She will be targeting Amanda Serrano (Puer Rico), and Jessica McCaskill (America), ASAP.
Taylor, undefeated after 18 pro bouts will defend her lightweight title against Jennifer Han undercard to Josh Warrington's rematch with Mauricio Lara at Headingley Stadium this Saturday.
The 35-year-old Irish star is a Leeds United fan and hopes that her unwavering dedication to boxing will help Keane change her mind.
She stated that Roy Keane was her favourite player growing up, so it's not clear how that will translate with Leeds fans.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALS"Seriously though, I loved Lee Bowyer, Alan Smith, and other Leeds fans. Roy Keane was a favorite of mine because I loved the rough players.
"He is my favorite sportsperson. Growing up, he was a hero to me.
"I heard what Gary Neville said to me and I'm glad I didn't sound like him."
"I want to take part in big fights. I am always up for the challenges and I will take the risks. Every time I step into the ring, I will put it all on the line.
Taylor chose to go in the opposite direction of Keane when she started her sporting career. She was an outstanding footballer, who won 11 senior Republic of Ireland caps.
Also, she has always been teetotal. This is again contrary to Keane, who said in an interview with Neville that he was a hard drinker as a child in Ireland.
Taylor, a County Wicklow native, became a Leeds fan when she enjoyed wild Elland Road visitors along with her father in the early 2000s. This was around the time they reached the Champions League semi-finals.
The rowdy Yorkshire atmosphere and the 'Dirty Leeds" reputation were a big draw for the quiet schoolgirl.
Taylor stated that Taylor was coming to visit his family in Texas and he always took him to a Leeds United match. It was truly special.
"Every Christmas, I got a Leeds United jersey as well as a pair of football boots. That was part of growing up.
They are a loud, passionate and enthusiastic crowd. It's a very rough crowd, but I like it.
"They were some my most memorable memories growing up, going to Leeds United games at Elland Road. I was able to go a few times and loved being part of that passionate crowd.
Taylor hopes that the 20,000 rugby league fans who crowded into the Leeds Rhinos' home on Saturday will create a similar buzz to intimidate her rival.
She stated, "This will be new territory for me. Although she hasn't participated in an event of this magnitude, she is a world champion.
"I expect the best performance from her. All my opponents will raise their game when they take on me in the ring."
