The role model of all role models has her own role models, too.
Katie Taylor was at New Cross College in Dublin this week and the ambassador for Sky Sports’ Living For Sport initiative was inspiring the next generation of Irish people.
The boxing legend took time out to speak with SportsJOE about her own role models though, about Conor McGregor’s rise and those rumours of her making an MMA appearance as well.
“Roy Keane and Sonia O’Sullivan were my role models growing up,” she said. “Roy Keane’s mentality, his attitude, just never settle for second best. I love his whole attitude.
“I love seeing Irish athletes doing well and the likes of Conor McGregor taking the UFC by storm on a world stage, it’s just absolutely incredible.”
However, despite McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, suggesting that Taylor would be up for a transition to the octagon, the five-time boxing world champion was taken aback.
“I don’t know where he’s getting that from!” she laughed. “I think I’ll stick to the boxing for the time being. If they got me on the ground [in MMA] I think I’d probably have my two arms broken!”
Sky Sports Living for Sport, part of Sky Academy, announces 12 new Athlete Mentors with Ambassador Katie Taylor. To find out more and to get involved with Sky Sports Living for Sport visit www.skysports.com/livingforsport.
