Ireland’s most beloved sporting personality faces a compelling challenge in her Dublin homecoming on Saturday night
Katie Taylor is a shy and intensely private woman, despite her great fame and devoted following in Ireland, and she dislikes being the centre of attention. She is also polite, amiable and a committed Christian who has made a new home for herself in the small and quiet town of Vernon, Connecticut, where she trains for her fights.
Ten days ago, just before she flew home to Dublin to prepare herself for the seething atmosphere she will generate on Saturday night at the 3Arena when she steps into the ring to face Chantelle Cameron in a difficult battle for the undisputed world super-lightweight title, Taylor explained why she loved Vernon. “The peace and quiet out here is amazing. There is nothing to do other than train as it’s in the middle of nowhere. I think it’s the perfect spot for me. The tranquillity suits my personality. You very rarely see even a car driving by, that’s how quiet it is. Nowadays this place feels like my home away from home.”