Katie squares up to ex-US Marine

Eamon Carr

It's difficult being Katie Taylor. For years the Bray boxer had difficulty finding sparring partners as she prepared to become the best in the world.

Even now as Olympic gold medalist, things don't always run smooth for our dedicated world champion.

Recently when she complained about the lack of competitive opportunities, the AIBA contradicted her. But her father Peter said:

"Apart from the international competitions, every fight Katie's had this year has been organised by us."

In a fortnight Katie will have two rare bouts in Ireland. In the Mansion House Round Room on Friday 29 she fights former US champion and ex-US Marine Melissa Parker.

The following night Katie meets Mira Potkonen, a boxer from Finland who gave the Irish champion a great bout in the EU semi-finals in July. "She's a dangerous opponent," warns Peter.

Tickets to see Katie from Afterdark.ie

DUDEY'S LEEDS TILT

It's been a tough year for Ireland's former EBU light welterweight champion Paul 'Dudey' McCloskey who hasn't had a fight since winning the vacant WBA inter-continental title in Belfast more than a year ago.

Dudey's career slipped into something of a vacuum following his defeat by DeMarcus Corley in May of last year.

A win against Manuel Perez followed. But while McCloskey had expected a few fights this year nothing materialised. Now he's hoping to fight in Leeds a few days before Christmas on a bill that includes Frankie Gavin and Peter McDonagh.