AFLW star Tayla Harris knows how to roll with the punches

AFLW star Tayla Harris’s fancy footwork and killer jab have propelled her into the boxing world’s spotlight. She thanks her footy career for her confidence and says she’s found positivity despite her social media trolls.

Tayla Harris has taken an unconventional path into professional boxing but her fancy footwork and killer jab have rapidly propelled her into the sport’s spotlight.

With just five bouts under her belt, the 22-year-old AFLW Carlton star had to turn down the chance to contest a world title earlier this year in Costa Rica because of her footy commitments.

But she’s back in the ring on Wednesday against amateur boxing champion and NRL Footy Show producer Renee Gartner. It will be the first time her fight will be televised on Main Event, which opens up a new viewing audience and opportunities overseas.

AFLW player and professional boxer Tayla Harris. Picture: Alex Coppel

“People don’t realise that I haven’t actually had amateur experience.

“This my sixth fight ever in total.

“I’ve taken the non-traditional way into fighting but I’ve managed to hold my ground along the way against fighters that are a lot more experienced than me,” she says.

“I think I have experience in front of crowds from footy which helped me a lot.

“It’s quite a challenge to overcome performing in front of a crowd but I love the show aspect to it. With professional boxing, the fact it’s a show, you walk out to your music, you’ve got your outfit sorted, you’ve got your entourage sorted. There’s an opportunity to really show your personality in the professional boxing world which I think is quite cool.”

Tayla Harris says her long arms help her jab. Picture: Alex Coppel

Harris is hoping that confidence to perform may land her an acting gig soon, too.

“In school I used to enjoy theatre. I thought one day if I got the opportunity I’d put my dramatic nature into something useful. I’ve had some conversations with people I’ve been lucky enough to meet in that space and its something I’d like to try at least once,” she says.

“If I get an opportunity I’ll put everything into it and if everything goes well then that may be another avenue of something I can pursue and be passionate about. There are a few things that could be in the works, but its literally all about timing. If something works out and I’m available, I’ll definitely take it.”

Harris is used to making headlines in the sporting domain but she wasn’t as prepared for the overwhelming level of attention she received after sexually inappropriate comments were made about her incredibly agile kicking style earlier this year.

“I probably internalise any anger to that situation if anything. I’m not really an angry person, I get on with things, if anything upsets me or makes me angry, it might surprise people, but I’m not someone to go and punch things or have a physical reaction to it,” she says.

“The negative side of it has pretty much passed now. The only thing that pops up every now and again is positive and it’s young people especially, saying my speaking out helped them to speak out in their own different scenarios — which I love hearing and is really humbling.”

Harris says her unique boxing style has helped her find early success in the tough sport.

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“I’m a very different fighter because I’ve come from a different background with footy so my athletic ability coming into the sport was new and exciting. Footwork-wise I create some different angles that not many people would be able to unless they’d had footy experience,” she says.

“And my jabs, I’ve got very long arms which aren’t great for shopping in the women’s department in winter but are great for boxing. I jab a lot and I’ve got a quick jab.”

Harris hopes she will squeeze a few more fights before the AFLW season kicks off in November.

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