Tayla knows how to roll with the punches

TAYLA Harris has taken an unconventional path into professional boxing but her fancy footwork and killer jab have rapidly propelled her into the sport’s spotlight.

With just five bouts under her belt, the 22-year-old AFLW Carlton star had to turn down the chance to contest a world title earlier this year in Costa Rica because of her footy commitments.

But she’s back in the ring on Wednesday against amateur boxing champ and NRL Footy Show producer Renee Gartner.

It will be the first time her fight will be televised on Main Event, which opens up a new viewing audience and opportunities overseas.

“People don’t realise I haven’t actually had amateur experience. This my sixth fight in total,” Harris said. “I’ve taken the non-traditional way into fighting but I’ve managed to hold my ground along the way against fighters who are a lot more experienced than me.

“I think I have experience in front of crowds from footy which helped me a lot.

“It’s quite a challenge to overcome performing in front of a crowd but I love the show aspect to it.

“With professional boxing, the fact it’s a show, you walk out to your music, you’ve got your outfit sorted, you’ve got your entourage sorted. There’s an opportunity to really show your personality in the professional boxing world which I think is quite cool.”

Harris is hoping that confidence to perform may land her an acting gig, too.

“In school I used to enjoy theatre. I thought one day if I got the opportunity I’d put my dramatic nature into something useful,”

she said. “I’ve had some conversations with people I’ve been lucky to meet in that space and it’s something I’d like to try at least once.

“If I get an opportunity I’ll put everything into it and if everything goes well, then that may be another avenue of something I can pursue and be passionate about.

“There are a few things that could be in the works but it’s all about timing. If something works out and I’m available, I’ll take it.”

Harris is used to making headlines in sport but she was not as prepared for the level of attention she received after sexually inappropriate comments were made about her incredibly agile kicking style earlier this year.

“I probably internalise any anger to that situation if anything. I’m not really an angry person. I get on with things. If anything upsets me or makes me angry, it might surprise people but I’m not someone to go and punch things or have a physical reaction to it,” she said.

“The negative side of it has pretty much passed now. The only thing that pops up every now and again is positive and it’s young people especially, saying my speaking out helped them to speak out in their own different scenarios, which I love hearing and is really humbling.”

Harris said her unique boxing style helped her find early success. “I’m a very different fighter because I’ve come from a different background with footy, so my athletic ability coming into the sport was new and exciting,” she said.

“My jabs, I’ve got very long arms which aren’t great for shopping in the women’s department in winter but are great for boxing. I jab a lot and I’ve got a quick jab.”

Harris hopes to squeeze in a few fights before the AFLW season kicks off in November.