Katie Taylor Ready To Make Boxing History At Madison Square Garden This Weekend
Katie Taylor feels Women’s Boxing will only grow in stature as she headlines a sold-out Madison Square Garden against Amanda Serrano.
Katie Taylor feels Women's Boxing will only continue to grow in stature as she headlines a sold-out Madison Square Garden in a historic clash against Amanda Serrano on Saturday night, live and exclusive on DAZN.
The 35-year-old puts her undisputed world lightweight title on the line against Serrano, the seven-weight champion, in a clash which is the first female bout to headline a card at the world-famous arena.
The fight breaks boundaries in the sport, but Top Rank Boxing Promoter Bob Arum made comments suggesting people don't 'pay attention to the women's fights' and compared his Shakur Stevenson vs Oscar Valdez card on the same night as being like 'Premier League against women's football'.
However, Taylor believes the fact the card she and Serrano are headlining is sold out, shows Arum to be wrong with his judgement.
"I've been involved in boxing for that long that I am not surprised by comments like that anymore," she said.
"There's obviously going to be people against the sport or show it the support that I want but I really wouldn't have much opinion about that.
"The fact that it is a sold-out arena at Madison Square Garden, a massive arena, proves that the appetite is there for these big female fights, and it shows that those comments are completely wrong. I never feel like I have to say anything back, I just let my boxing do the talking."
Serrano, Taylor's opponent on Saturday night, is promoted by YouTube and boxer Jake Paul.
The Irish boxer admits she'd never heard of him before he stepped foot in the ring.
"I didn't envisage myself sharing the same stage as him though," she said. "I didn't even know Jake Paul until he had a few fights or even that there was such a thing as a YouTuber, so this is crazy, but I am very grateful of the part he played in getting this over the line, so I'm not complaining at all."
Being part of the first female bout to headline Madison Square Garden is a proud moment for the Irish boxer, and the 35-year-old cannot wait to showcase her talent on the biggest stage of them all against the Puerto Rican and keep up her unbeaten tag.
"The progression of women's boxing over the last few years has been incredible," she added.
"We are getting to see the best of women's boxing for the first time on the likes of DAZN, so it is amazing for the sport. I'm very proud to be the first and I've always been proud to be the history maker all the way through and to have chance to make history again is huge.
"I'm not one for making predictions other than that I am going to be victorious. It's going to be a fight which involves everything - skill, grit and heart. I think there's going to be times when I'm in the trenches, but I am prepared for every single scenario.
"We obviously have our own plan, but we can adapt and adjust it along the way as well. We will be prepared for everything that comes my way on fight night."
You can stream the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano card and many more live and exclusive on DAZN for £7.99 per month, with coverage beginning at 12.30am on Sunday morning UK time. Head to DAZN.com to find out more.
Featured Image Credit:Colin Munford