Nov 15,2024
Katie Taylor is prepared for a "monumental" night in her career as her second fight against Amanda Serrano is set to become the most watched women's boxing match in history.
Taylor's famous split-decision victory over Serrano in Madison Square Garden remains the most celebrated bout in the history of women's boxing, subsequently being named 'Fight of the Year' for 2022 by Sports Illustrated.
While that bout was a big seller on DAZN, Friday's re-match in Arlington, Texas - the early hours of Saturday morning, Irish time - promises to attract dizzying numbers, the fight being screened live on Netflix, at no extra cost to subscribers.
Though a landmark moment for women's boxing, Taylor-Serrano Mark II is not the main event, that being the contentious bout between social media star Jake Paul and 58-year old former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, the latter appearing in the ring as a professional for the first time in 19 years.
The Tyson-Paul bout has been widely derided as a farce but Taylor has no complaints.
"It's just great to be part of such a huge event," she said. "I can't believe I'm on the same card as Mike Tyson, such a legend and icon of the sport.
"This is a real 'pinch me' moment. I've had some amazing nights in my career but I feel like this one in a couple of days is going to be the biggest of them all.
"I've always wanted to be involved in the biggest fights but to have a chance to fight live on Netflix - the first time a boxing match has been shown live on Netflix - there's going to a huge audience.
"Millions upon millions of people will be watching this fight. I don't like to think about that too much but it's going to be absolutely huge.
"I'm definitely delighted to be part of it. I'm not complaining at all, one bit. I think myself and Amanda could probably have sold out our own stadium as well. To be on a card with such a legend of the sport is huge
"I'm also very, very grateful to Jake Paul as well. He's been a huge advocate of women's boxing over the last few years. Having a chance to be on the same card as these two is phenomenal for the sport and amazing for women's boxing."
"I can't believe I'm on the same card as Mike Tyson, such a legend and icon of the sport"
Taylor, who turned 38 in June, said she was always eager for a rematch with Serrano and while she hopes not be dragged into a 'war' this time, she's prepared for any whirlwind that comes her way.
"The last fight (with Serrano) definitely inspired a new generation of female fighters and I can only imagine what this fight is going to turn out like on Friday as well.
"We know each other so well now, I don't think there's going to be much feeling out on Friday night. We're going to go straight back into an epic war.
"It's always fun to be in a bit of a war... no, I never like it when it gets to that point. Hopefully, I stick to my boxing a bit more this time around and make it a bit easier on myself. But if it ends up in a war, so be it.
"The last time we fought was in Madison Square Garden and there were so many Irish and Puerto Rican people there, it made for such an amazing atmosphere.
"This one is going to a bit different I'm sure. But regardless of who's in the crowd, it's going to be an amazing fight. I'm going to give it my all."
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