Footy star Tayla Harris shines in stunning return to the ring in front of fellow AFLW players as the premiership hero targets a world title
- Tayla Harris wins Aussie boxing title
- AFLW star is undefeated as a boxer
- Harris has sights on boxing world title
AFLW star Tayla Harris has returned to boxing in style, with a stunning knockout victory over her opponent which saw her take home the Australasian junior middleweight belt.
The AFLW champion and four time All Australian had too much firepower for her opponent Connie Chan, forcing the referee to stop the fight during their Saturday night showdown in Melbourne.
The undefeated 26-year-old knocked Chan down, and had her badly hurt after a series of punishing right hooks before the contest was stopped.
Her Melbourne Demons teammates were there to celebrate Harris’ first fight in four years, and see her extend her record to nine professional fights with eight wins and a draw.
Harris’ partner Kodi Jacques, who plays for the Bombers, rushed to the ring afterwards to congratulate her on the exciting victory.
AFLW star Tayla Harris (left) has returned to boxing in style, with a stunning knockout victory over her opponent which saw her take home the Australasian junior middleweight belt
The undefeated 26-year-old knocked Chan down, and had her badly hurt after a series of punishing right hooks before the contest was stopped
As well as boxing, Harris is one of the AFLW’s top players, and is pictured celebrating a goal during the Demons’ 2022 grand final victory
Harris’ Demons teammates lift Harris in joyous scenes after the win
Harris, who has previously won the Australian middleweight title and Australian super-welterweight title, made headlines last year after revealing some of the shocking abuse she has received online.
While playing for Carlton, Harris shot to fame after an iconic photo of her was taken kicking a goal – but the shot set off an avalanche of vile comments from trolls.
Harris stood up to the trolls and has bounced back winning a premiership with the Demons in 2022.
She credits boxing with helping her physically and psychologically and hopes to one day win a world title in the sport.
‘Absolutely, I dare to dream and that’s something I’m aiming towards,’ Harris told the ABC last week.
‘I don’t know exactly when but if the opportunity presents itself, I’m taking it with both hands.’
Harris launched her own documentary via Amazon, Kick Like Tayla, in 2022 that aired in 240 countries, and reached millions of people.
While playing for Carlton, Harris shot to fame after an iconic photo of her was taken kicking a goal – but the shot set off an avalanche of vile comments from trolls
Harris pictured with partner and Essendon player Kodi Jacques
AFLW stars get around Tayla Harris after her huge victory in her return to the ring
It recounts her controversial departure from Carlton at the end of the 2021 season, how she struggled being away from family during the succession of lockdowns in Victoria and her move to the Demons.
The warts-and-all piece also gave insight into Harris’ love for Jacques and their two border collies, Elaine and Beans.
Harris’ iconic kick has since been immortalised into a statue in Melbourne’s Federation Square as a promotion of women’s sport and a stand against online bullying.
Harris was awarded Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year in 2021 in recognition of her off-field advocacy for preventing violence against women making a stand against bullying.
