Footy star Tayla Harris stars in stunning return to the ring in front of fellow AFLW players as the premiership hero pursues a world title
- Tayla Harris wins Australian boxing title
- AFLW star is undefeated as a boxer
- Harris has a view on the world boxing title
AFLW star Tayla Harris has returned to boxing in style, with a stunning knockout victory over her opponent to take home the Australasian 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 was badly injured after a series of punishing right hooks before the bout was stopped.
Her Melbourne Demons teammates were there to celebrate Harris’ first fight in four years and watch her extend her record to nine professional fights with eight wins and a draw.
Harris’ partner Kodi Jacques, who plays for the Bombers, then rushed to the ring to congratulate her on the thrilling win.
AFLW star Tayla Harris (left) has returned to boxing in style, with a stunning knockout victory over her opponent to take home the Australasian middleweight belt
The undefeated 26-year-old knocked Chan down and had her badly hurt after a series of punishing right hooks before the bout was stopped
Aside from boxing, Harris is one of the AFLW’s top players, and is pictured celebrating a goal during the Demons’ 2022 grand final win
Harris’ Demons teammates lift Harris up in joyous post-win scenes
Harris, who previously won the Australian middleweight title and the Australian super welterweight title, made headlines last year after revealing some of the shocking beatings she has received online.
While playing for Carlton, Harris rose to fame after an iconic photo was taken of her kicking a goal – but the shot sparked an avalanche of vile comments from trolls.
Harris took on the trolls and has bounced back by winning a 2022 premiership with the Demons.
She credits boxing for helping her physically and psychologically and hopes to one day win a world title in the sport.
“Definitely, I dare to dream and that’s something I strive for,” Harris told the ABC last week.
“I don’t know exactly when, but if the opportunity arises, I will grab it with both hands.”
Harris launched her own documentary through Amazon in 2022, Kick Like Tayla, which was broadcast in 240 countries and reached millions of people.
While playing for Carlton, Harris rose to fame after an iconic photo was taken of her kicking a goal – but the shot sparked an avalanche of vile comments from trolls
Harris pictured with partner and Essendon player Kodi Jacques
AFLW stars bypass Tayla Harris after her huge victory on her return to the ring
It tells of her controversial departure from Carlton at the end of the 2021 season, how she struggled to be away from family during Victoria’s successive lockdowns and her move to the Demons.
The warts-and-all piece also provided insight into Harris’ love for Jacques and their two border collies, Elaine and Beans.
Harris’s iconic kick has since been immortalized in a statue in Melbourne’s Federation Square as a promotion of women’s sports and a protest 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 standing up against bullying.