Boxer Katie Taylor on Conor McGregor and being a Sky Scholar ahead of first pro fight in London

Katie Taylor cannot wait to get into the ring with the Irish former Sky Academy Sports Scholar preparing for her professional debut in November.

The 30-year-old from Bray, who also has 46 football caps for her country, missed out on an Olympic medal at this summer's Rio Games four years after being crowned Olympic champion in London.

The owner of five World titles and six European crowns, Taylor is now set for her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley, on November 26, live on Sky Sports. 

"When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown," Taylor said.

"Female boxing is as much part of the fabric of the Olympics as its male counterpart. Now I want to do the same for the professional sport. I hope those who have supported me will come along with me. I'm excited for the road ahead."

It's been an emotional six months for Taylor. In the build-up to Rio, her defeat in the European semis in April was her first in 63 contests over five years. In May, she lost for the first time in 11 years on the Worlds stage. 

Before her triumph at London 2012, Taylor was supported on the Sky Academy Scholarship scheme and has since become a Sky Sports Living For Sport ambassador.

"Being part of the Living for Sports campaign is a huge deal for me and being a Scholar was just amazing," Taylor said.

"It was great to be involved in a big company like Sky who know what athletes go through. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many other athletes and mentors who really helped me towards my dream of being an Olympics champion.

"They really pushed me on. I had great advice, they helped my confidence and helped me grow as a person and it was great to be a part of."

Another Irish legend who has been assisting her rise to stardom is Conor McGregor, with the UFC champion a social media friend. Before the Olympics, Taylor said: "We keep in touch with each other, although I've never met him. I would love to meet him.

"We go back and forth on Twitter and we've exchanged messages over the last two years. I'm a huge fan of Conor like everyone is in Ireland."

Would Taylor ever consider switching rings? "I think I'll stick to boxing for the time being," she added. "Conor's fights are the only time when I tune in. I wouldn't have much of a ground game so if he got me on the ground I'd be in trouble!"

Great things are expected from Taylor who has joined Matchroom Boxing. Her second fight will be on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's second defence of his IBF world heavyweight title at the Manchester Arena on December 10.

Another female star boxer is current Sky Scholar Savannah Marshall who has enjoyed watching Taylor's progress.

The 25-year-old from Hartlepool said: "Katie is a brilliant boxer and role model. Coming through the international scene as a junior, Katie was my inspiration.

"No other amateur boxing male or female has achieved what she has. She has made women's boxing what it is today and I hope she can continue to do that in the pro ranks."

WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS

OCT 23-30: Elise Christie, GB speed skating training camp, Calgary

OCT 30: Quillan Isidore, BMX Winter Nationals, Manchester

OCT 31 - NOV 6: Elise Christie, World Cup, Calgary