‘It would be amazing’ – Olympic boxing hero Kellie Harrington would love to be on the Croke Park Rematch Bill with Katie Taylor

Both fighters agreed in the ring to do it again after Taylor was declared the winner by a split points decision.

Harrington said she is keen to be part of the action if a Croke Park fight for Taylor and Serrano becomes a reality.

“It would be absolutely brilliant to fight at Croke Park, a stone’s throw from my childhood with memories of selling headbands in and around the grounds as a kid,” she said.

“To fight on the field where our district has won national championships many times and where Muhammad Ali once fought gracefully would be incredible.

“If the opportunity arose, I would definitely grab it with both hands.”

Harrington grew up on Portland Row in north downtown.

Her fight for the Olympic lightweight gold medal against Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira last August in Tokyo was broadcast on a big screen on her street. Neighbors flocked to see their victory, turning the street into a sea of ​​celebration and color.

Sport Secretary Jack Chambers has pledged his support for a Taylor homecoming fight against Serrano in October.

However, it remains to be seen whether Dublin is a viable location for such a lucrative rematch, with television rights and international time zones, as well as weather and venue availability, all being factors to consider.

“Of course my door will be open and I stand ready to work to make that happen,” Mr Chambers said.

“I think it would be phenomenal to see Katie fight in Ireland and if possible at Croke Park. That’s what the Irish want to see.”

Speaking at the launch of Sport Ireland’s Tokyo Olympics review, he acknowledged there were obstacles to overcome if the rematch were to take place in Dublin.

“There are the broader complications that we know have affected how fights are played over the past six years,” he said.

“But if it’s possible and there are obviously other specialists who will help, I would love for the Irish public to see Katie fight at home.

“We have all followed her story over the years and she is still at the peak of her success and it would be great to see her fight here.”

The minister also congratulated Taylor on keeping her crowns.

“She is one of our best athletes and a pioneer in women’s sport,” he said. “We absolutely support her and hope she can fight in Ireland.

“Obviously there are a number of factors that come into play, including insurance.”

Independent councilor Nial Ring said an event in Croke Park with Taylor and Harrington on the same card was a “fantastic opportunity” to recognize the achievements of both women.

“They are both champions and both Olympic gold medalists and they are a huge inspiration to young people,” he said. “It would be great for Kellie to fight for a huge audience in her own community.

“It has to be financially viable, so maybe there should be government subsidies, but it would be a good investment.”