KATIE TAYLOR, boxing's most recognizable female venue, is poised to become the best in the sport. But she can't wait to return to the shadows.
Amanda Serrano, seven-weight world champion and Ireland's London Olympics gold girl 2012, will be facing Amanda Serrano in New York at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
The soft-spoken superstar cannot wait to see the 2018 Netflix documentary about her amazing career.
The 35-year-old Wicklow fighter said, "The most awkward aspect of boxing are the business and media events. We both just want to fight."
"The preparation and interviews, as well as Press conferences, feel the most difficult part of the job, more so than the weight loss and training. But it is part of the job.
"We haven’t sat down together and had a conversation, I wouldn’t do that. While we have the greatest respect for one another, we also keep our distance.
"You won't hear trash talk from either one of us, I don’t think.
"I don’t like talking about myself, let alone others. Although I haven't seen the movie yet, I may continue to watch it when I retire.
Taylor was forced to pretend to be a boy in order to fight other boys at childhood amateur bouts. When Taylor whipped off her headguard in celebration, pompous judges and officials would be furious.
Her face will be seen all over New York as she competes on holy ground, following in the footsteps of Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.
Her first thought isn't about her success but the path she has paved for younger girls like Katelynn Phelan and Caroline Dubois.
She said, "It's incredible where women's boxing are right now. MSG is the Mecca for boxing and has broken records for female boxing.
"But, it's not just about Amanda and me, it's also for the next generation female fighters.
"We want to remove barriers, and we feel that we are elevating the sport."
The bout was canceled a few times before Serrano (33), signed a promotional agreement with Jake Paul, an American YouTube prankster and celebrity fighter.
Although the controversial social media sensation has divided opinion, he has provided enough financial support to the Puerto Rico legend so that Taylor -- the antithesis for the headline-chasing blond bad-boy -- can thank him for his high profile input.
Taylor stated, "I am surprised that he has entered women's boxing, but it must have been surprising for Jake Paul too."
"I don't think he would have expected that he would be involved in the promotion of female boxing.
He had a huge part to play, but it was canceled a few times. However, he has been able to get on board with Amanda and everything is now in good shape. He is a great addition to my life.
HOMETOWN GIRL
Taylor is from Bray in Co Wicklow and has her country behind.
She is also well aware of the pride and tradition that her opponent has.
She stated, "Me and Amanda are from small countries that box above their weight in boxing."
"So it will also be great for us to represent them.
"I'm going after Wayne McCullough and Barry McGuigan and Steve Collins, and she has heroes such as Miguel Cotto or Felix Trinidad.
"We bring all our pride, our heritage and that will add much more to the ring.
Taylor was inspired by a Swiss sports icon, who has never touched any of his competitors.
His remarkable demeanour earned him a place on the wall at her home gym.
Taylor answered a question about the posters hanging around her punchbag in Connecticut where she trains. She said that Roger Federer was on her wall at home. He is my favorite athlete of all time.
"There are other guys there like Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Michael Jordan -- they're the regular guys.
Federer isn't just a great athlete, he also has a great sense of humor.
"I have loved watching him play tennis since I was a kid. Even though I have never played tennis, I love to watch him play.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://secondsaway.co.uk/boxing/anthony-joshua-vs-oleksandr-usyk-2-new-date-uk-start-time-tv-channel-live-stream-for-massive-heavyweight-rematch
