More than 25 years ago, Katie Taylor entered the world of boxing, initially disguised as a man. In her native Ireland, women could not compete, so the only way to fight was to hide. Now, on Friday night, the boxing world focuses on Taylor. The boxer who transformed this sport will face Amanda Serrano in what could be the final chapter of their rivalry, with Taylor’s undisputed super lightweight championship on the line. Serrano, 36 years old, holds the number 3 position in the pound-for-pound list. She has conquered nine world titles in seven weight categories. The first clash, a 2022 classic, was the first female fight to headline New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden, and ended with a split decision in favor of Taylor. Last November’s rematch was also hotly contested, with all three judges awarding a narrow victory to Taylor by 95-94; and in the debate, fueled by Serrano’s accusations of Taylor’s alleged intentional foul play. The talent of both boxers has taken women’s boxing to unimaginable heights for Taylor when she was an amateur. Now, with great financial gains and headlining events at MSG, with a card that includes 17 world titles in five fights, presented by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Taylor, with a career record of 24-1 and 2-0 against Serrano, claims she didn’t need this fight, but she wanted it. In this sport that he has helped build, Taylor hides from no one. The trilogy is coming.
Interview with Katie Taylor
Why did you feel the need for a third fight against Amanda, after winning the previous two?Amanda has expressed her objections to the results of the previous fights. How did those objections, or the debate surrounding them, influence your decision to seek a third fight?I just wanted to be involved in the biggest fight possible. And I knew after the second fight, this was still the biggest fight in women’s boxing. I don’t think anyone can say that I avoided any female boxer.
Katie Taylor
How do you see Serrano as a challenge?I really don’t care what Amanda or her team or anyone else has to say about the fight. My hand was raised at the end of those fights and I’m 2-0 here. I just wanted to be in these big fights that make history. And with all the complaints and stuff from the other side, I think they should definitely sit down and thank me for this opportunity because I didn’t need this fight.
Katie Taylor
Obviously she is a super boxer. I have a lot of respect for Amanda. I think she is also a great person. She is a fantastic champion. We will have to show a lot of heart there, a lot of determination. It will always be like that against her. I think we both bring out the best in each other because of that.
Katie Taylor
In combat sports, rivalries that become hallmarks of those sports almost transcend them. What does it mean for women’s boxing to establish a rivalry of this caliber?
I think it’s incredible. And I’m very grateful to have someone like that, because to have these fights that make history, you need the right dance partner. We definitely help each other grow the sport and elevate each other. I am very, very grateful to have Amanda Serrano during this time.
Katie TaylorHow has having the right dance partner like Amanda changed you?Where do you want sports to go?Amanda and I, we bring out the best in each other every time. And you’re thinking about these incredible trilogies in sports: Gatti/Ward, Ali/Frazier, Golovkin/Canelo… these kinds of trilogies, they always show incredible skill, an incredible heart. I think that’s what people are seeing from me and Amanda in these last two fights. You’re seeing the skill, you’re seeing the heart, you’re seeing the chin, you’re seeing the will to win.
Katie TaylorAre there any other moments, besides the Taylor-Serrano fight, that you’re looking forward to seeing how they unfold?It’s very exciting to see Ellie Scotney. The co-main event, Alycia Baumgardner [facing Jennifer Miranda] is incredible to watch. There’s a lot of talent on the show. I’m looking forward to seeing how people perceive it. And I’m looking forward to seeing all the comments and observations afterwards.I just want these nights to continue. Where we’re really headlining these big shows consistently. I think the talent is there right now, to do it. The quality of this card alone is absolutely huge.
Katie TaylorWhen you think about your career, what moment, whether a fight or a moment when you entered a gym to train, crystallized for you the distance between where the sport is now and what you entered?
I think one of the most incredible moments for me was after the first fight at Madison Square Garden, when I went back to the gym, and there are some female boxers in the gym simply because they saw that fight.
Katie TaylorWe have an impact on that young generation that is coming; it is actually inspiring the next generation. And there has to be something in which female boxers become world champions simply because they saw me and Amanda Serrano in our first fight and even again in the second fight.
That’s the impact you want to have on the next generation. And I can’t imagine the inspiration it’s going to be for some of the young girls who see it on July 11th.
