‘Cool hand’ Katie Taylor not feeling pressure of historical fight

Katie Taylor defends her undisputed lightweight boxing crown against Amanda Serrano in a megafight, but she’s not feeling any pressure. 

Katie Taylor is used to being a trailblazer in women’s boxing. She won an Olympic gold medal in 2012 and is the undisputed lightweight champion of the world. Amanda Serrano presents Taylor with the most formidable opponent of her career, but she’s not feeling the heat.

Serrano (42-1-1, 30 KOs) is one of the most decorated boxers in history. She has won nine world titles in seven divisions and has a staggering 68 percent knockout rating. Serrano is the reigning WBC, WBO, and IBO featherweight champion, while Taylor possesses all four major lightweight titles. Taylor is the favorite but has several elements working against her.

Taylor (20-0, 6 KOs) expects Serrano to put up the most challenging fight she’s had to face in the ring.

“I’m definitely preparing for the toughest fight possible,” Taylor told FanSided. “I’m obviously prepared every single time I step into the ring for whatever comes my way, so I don’t think there’s any surprise at this stage in my career.”

Taylor added, “She’s not here for no reason. She obviously deserves to be in here as well and be part of this historic event.”

Taylor and Serrano were supposed to fight in 2020, but disagreements stemming from the pandemic dashed those plans. Still, Taylor doesn’t hold anything against Serrano. On the contrary, she’s very complimentary of her foe’s boxing abilities.

If you’re not at Madison Square Garden on April 30, you can watch Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano battle for the undisputed lightweight crown on DAZN

Taylor and Serrano will share the ring in the April 30 main event at iconic Madison Square Garden. Multiple sources, including Serrano’s promoter Jake Paul, state that Taylor and Serrano will both

earn seven-figure paydays

, making this the most lucrative and important bout in women’s boxing history.

Taylor believes this night will advance women’s equality in boxing.

“This is an incredible feat,” said Taylor. “It feels like we’re bringing the whole sport up with us as well. This is the type of legacy that I dreamt about when I was a kid.”

That’s a lot of weight for Taylor to carry on her shoulders, but the fighter from Ireland is also fighting in Serrano’s hometown of New York. That appears to be a significant advantage for Serrano, but Taylor feels very comfortable at MSG. She has fought there twice and expects Irish fans to show out in force.

“I had the privilege to fight here twice before, and I actually became the undisputed champion here,” reminisced Taylor fondly. “So I have great memories of fighting here. And New York is also full of Irish people as well. So the two times I have fought here, it’s been full of Irish people. ”

It also helps that Taylor has spent the last several years training in the U.S. Taylor feels at home in the states, which she believes will add to her comfortability fight night.

“I’ve obviously been based in Connecticut for the last few years since I have turned professional, so this is where all my training actually happens,” said Taylor. “I’ve already just started training camp a few weeks ago. I’m all set to stay here for the next few months and just to get my head down in the gym, constantly working hard, and looking forward to April 30.”

Taylor is at the top of the mountain, and she didn’t get there by being anxious. Many boxers fear getting judged unfairly when fighting away from home, but Taylor doesn’t see that as an issue. Taylor feels that she’s in control of her fate. She’s a cerebral fighter who is in control of her emotions. Yes, this fight is more meaningful for Taylor, but it fills her with excitement. Pressure doesn’t factor into the equation.

“No, that’s not something that ever comes into my mind,” said Taylor if she worries about poor judging. “I just focus on my fight and focus on the preparation in the lead up to the fight. I want to step in there. I’m gonna do everything I can do to come out victorious.”