Katie taylor has confirmed her two opponents for her bouts at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, due to take place on February 24th and March 22nd.

The Olympic champion will face German champion Maike Klueners in February before following that with a bout with the Ukrainian champion Yulia Tsiplakova.

Taylor’s fight with Klieners had already sold out in a matter of hours and that in turn led to the arrangement of a second bout at the same venue. Taylor will use the two fights as preparation for the coming year, when she will compete in the European Championships and compete for sixth consecutive title.

It had proved to be difficult to find opposition willing to fight Taylor. Taylor’s father and trainer, Pete Taylor said, "It's always been tough getting opposition for Katie but it's even tougher since the Olympics. We tried for Queen Underwood and a couple of the other top American's but their national Championships are coming up at the end of March so the dates didn't really suit them. Very few of the Europeans are willing to box her before the European Championships later this year but both Maike Klueners and Yulia Tsiplakova accepted the challenge.”

"They have both been competing at the highest level in women's boxing for quite a few years now and after the Olympics Katie is the one they all want to beat and that's something we're very aware off. Both girls like to come and have a fight so they should be exciting bouts and good to watch. Katie is training as hard as ever. She's moving on from the London games now and looking to the future and retaining her Olympic, World and European titles."

Taylor’s first opponenet, the German champion, Kluerners, says she won’t be intimidated by the occasion or Taylor’s reputation
 
"Katie is the best female fighter in the world today but she is human too and boxing is a sport where anything is possible. I know it won’t be easy but I have a brave heart and I believe I will be a very dangerous opponent for Katie.
 
"I recently won the German national championships so I’m looking forward to this fight and the European Championships later in the year with confidence. Of course like Katie I am also looking forward to the 2016 Olympics. I have considered turning professional and that is always an option but once the Olympic dream catches you it’s hard to let that go."
 
 
-Tickets for Katie Taylor’s bout with Yulia Tsiplakova on Friday, March 22nd are priced from €40 (with a discount available for under 14's) and on sale from Ticketmaster.ie (0818 719 377) or the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Box Office.