The last thing you want to do is underestimate Katie Taylor – not now, not ever.
Everyone knows Katie Taylor the prize pugilist.
We all remember watching the pride of Bray rising up the amateur ranks winning multiple world and European championships. That day Amhran na bhFiann boomed in London as she had the Olympic gold draped around her neck will always be a proud day in Irish sporting history. As will the moment she had the WBA strap wrapped around her waist in the Millenium Stadium.
Considering how storied her boxing career has been, you would be forgiven for forgetting that she was also a great soccer player. Taylor represented the Republic of Ireland team at u-17, u-19 and senior level, winning 11 caps for the Girls in Green. From a very early age, it was clear that Taylor was always going to be a fierce competitor.
Footage has emerged of Taylor playing a youth soccer game when she was around 11 or 12 years of age. The opposition team thought they were in for a ‘handy one’ when they saw they were playing against a girl. It didn’t take long for them to figure out that they were completely in the wrong.
Taylor made sure of it.
Legend = @KatieTaylor for so many reasons, I have so much respect for you. Respect that dates back to 1998 & a cold Saturday morning, a young me & friends spot a girl in the opposition team, our first thought was 'handy one', thank you for kicking the respect into all of us #Hero pic.twitter.com/69xSzgpiP8
— Derek Kavanagh (@ObsessFootball) January 5, 2018
Respect is earned through battle and by god were that team respectful of Taylor after that agricultural tackle.
Credit where it’s due, she didn’t shy away from the clip when it was brought to her attention. It was clear as day from the footage that she had no intention of contesting for the ball. She had one focus and that was fouling the player.
In case there was any doubt, Taylor confirmed she meant the meaty challenge on Twitter.
I remember it well Derek, it was intentional haha! Thanks for sharing!!
— Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) January 5, 2018
Like we said, never underestimate Katie Taylor.
