Katie’s a big hit with Mcgregor
Mcgregor proud as punch to watch taylor defend her titles in Boston
CONOR Mcgregor has praised Katie Taylor’s “passion, drive and laser-like focus” after the successful defence of her world titles.
She retained her IBF and WBA belts in Boston on Saturday night in her 11th successive professional victory.
The 32-year-old got a pep talk from UFC star Mcgregor prior to her lightweight clash with Puerto Rican Cindy Serrano.
The Notorious told the Olympic gold medallist: “This will be my first time watching live, I’m very excited. You are a credit to our country, we’re all with you.”
Turning to Taylor’s coach Ross Enamait, he added: “You’re doing a phenomenal job with her, we’re all proud of the two of you. I’ll see you after. I’m here for you Katie, just you.”
Mcgregor, 30, watched on from ringside alongside Cork boxer Spike O’sullivan, as Taylor did the business in the ring again.
He congratulated her in the dressing room after the fight, joking: “You’re a f**king animal, I’ll tell you that. You’re nice as pie but you’re f**king ruthless in there.
“I can see it in your eyes when you are in there. I’ll have your back whatever you need. You’re an Irish hero and I’m proud of you for who you are as a woman, not even as just a boxer.
“Inside the ring – of course – but outside the ring as well. I’ve a lot of respect for you.”
Mcgregor later wrote on Instagram: “What an honour to watch our very own Katie Taylor live tonight in Boston! This lady epitomises hard work, passion, drive, and laser-like focus! A motivating inspiration!
“Congrats Katie and coach Ross Enamait! Promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Brian Peters you both better be making sure our champion is looked after and guided fairly and correctly up that money tree as her activity is constant and consistent.
“This lady is an asset and should be treated as such. We are watching. Great work team Katie!”
Taylor tweeted her appreciation to Mcgregor yesterday, writing: “Great to see the fighting irish supporting one another!
“So honored to have you there @ Thenotoriousmma and so grateful to have your support.”
Tributes also came from former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis who tweeted “congratulations Katie Taylor”.
Legendary boxer Micky Ward, the subject of 2010 film The Fighter, was also in Boston to support the brawler from Bray, Co Wicklow.
An award-winning film about Taylor will reveal her struggle to rebuild her career after she allowed camera crews access during a year of turmoil after she crashed out of the Rio Olympics.
The documentary Katie, released on Friday, lifts the lid on troubles with her dad and coach Pete in the buildup to the 2016 Games.
In the trailer she reveals: “My dad was no longer someone with, really.”
Defeat to Finland’s Mira Potkonen is seen by many as the turning point in her career and the moment that prompted her to quit amateur boxing.
Her brother Peter says: “The relationship between Katie and my I can work dad started becoming a little bit more fractured. The trust was broken.”
The film, directed by Ross Whitaker, bills its subject as “the best female boxer that has ever lived” and “Ireland’s real-life Million Dollar Baby”.
You are a credit to our country, we’re all with you CONOR MCGREGOR BEFORE BOSTON FIGHT