Nov 14,2024
Katie Taylor says she has a new-found motivation for her upcoming rematch with Amanda Serrano, in what will be a 25th professional bout.
The 38-year-old faces Serrano, two years her junior, for a second time in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Over 60,000 are set to be in attendance at the AT&T Stadium for the bout on the undercard of Jake Paul v Mike Tyson, a main event which has courted plenty of controversy over a 58-year-old re-entering the ring.
The co-main event brings much more respectability to proceedings as two of the greatest female fighters clash once more having already had one memorable dust-up.
Speaking at a public workout ahead of the fight, Taylor cast aside any concerns over a year of inactivity, due to the original July date being changed to November when Tyson had a health issue.
She feels a second clash with Serrano - their first was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden - will garner even more attention and that the delay was actually preferable.
"We made history to get it once but it feels like this is on an even bigger scale again," she said.
"It's just amazing to be involved in another big, epic fight. Of all the fights I have had, this is the one that really excites me. I really can't wait to step into there.
"I feel like the extra break has done me the world of good as well. There were a few things earlier in the year that needed to be sorted out so I feel that I am in much better shape right now. Mentally, physically this is the best shape I have been in.
"I was hoping before that I'd be fighting at Croke Park in front of 100,000 people but I've had this chance now to fight in front of 100,000 people," she said, although the actual attendance is expected to be less than the 80,000 capacity.
"It's not Croke Park but it's here in Dallas on a Mike Tyson undercard so this is definitely a bigger stage than I could have imagined. But I am still hopeful that a Croke Park fight could happen."
Taylor rarely shows emotion in media events but was visibly moved after being asked about her mother Bridget's influence in her now legendary career.
"It's amazing. She’s the biggest support," said Taylor, with her mother present in the room
"I have to compose myself. I'm still a small bit emotional," she admitted.
The original clash with Serrano undoubtedly brought more eyes to female boxing, which has become established within the sport yet has significant room for growth.
The Bray woman takes great pride in what the first fight achieved.
Four world super lightweight belts will be on the line after she claimed the titles from Chantelle Cameron a year ago.
Defending them will an even greater honour, she explained.
"It’s amazing I think even after the last fight, it inspired so many young girls to get involved in the sport,
"One of my favourite moments after that fight was a father bringing a daughter into the gym because of myself and Amanda. Just hearing stories like that is so heart-warming having a chance to impact the next generation of female fighters.
"I'd like to think my legacy is already secured in the sport. When I first started boxing as a nine or 10-year-old, I was the only female fighter I really knew of. If you go home now every single boxing gym in Ireland is full of female fighters.
"That to me is the absolute best and we have Olympic champions, our women's boxing teams are absolutely outstanding, it's very strong."
