Katie Taylor Looking to Land A Knockout (Or Two) On Her Way to Greatness

There is no doubt that in 2019, women’s boxing is as popular as it has ever been. With compelling fights and new ways to train, there are various athletes that have taken the sport by storm. One fighter who has gained recognition as a bright star is Katie Taylor.

The Irish-born Taylor (12-0) is the current WBA and IBF Lightweight Champion. She has beaten some tough competitors, especially in 2018 when she fought four different times. From Victoria Bustos to Cindy Serrano to Eva Wahlstrom, Taylor’s smooth style has made her almost untouchable in the ring.

Taylor’s latest opponent, Rose Volante, holds the WBO Lightweight Title. Her fight inside the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on March 15th is getting heavily promoted, which is high praise as the main event features Tevin Farmer v. Jono Carrol. Speaking to Daniel Yanofsky, Taylor was ecstatic to be a part of the moment.

“It is a privilege to be considered one of the main attraction fights against Rose (Volante),” Taylor stated. “My team and I have been working very hard to keep active. I am in the best shape of my life. So far sparring has been a main part of training, and the best is yet to come.” 

Before becoming a professional boxer, Taylor was a former footballer and is known as a multiple-time gold medalist. Taylor is signed with Matchroom Boxing, where her skills can be showcased on DAZN. Taylor was living the star life when she won a dominant unanimous decision contest against Wahlstrom inside Madison Square Garden.  

One of her previous opponents, Cindy Serrano, has a sibling that is on Taylor’s and the rest of the boxing worlds minds. Amanda Serrano is a seven-weight title holder, recently defeating Eve Voraberger inside MSG back in January. One has to assume a clash between two of the best is inevitable.

“The end goal is the same, to be undisputed champion,” Taylor continued. “We are trying to get that Amanda Serrano fight because we know that will be the biggest fight in women’s boxing. Of course, things happen in time.”

Regarding Volante (14-0), she may well be Taylor’s toughest opponent to date. She is not taking her lightly, as all will be on the line for her with this fight.

“Ever since I won my first world title as a pro my goal has been to unify the Lightweight titles so this is obviously a massive step towards that,” said Taylor during the fight announcement. “Volante is unbeaten so I’m expecting a tough fight but that’s exactly the kind of challenge I want. I think the better the opponent and the bigger the challenge the better I will perform.”

Besides becoming a unified champion, Taylor would like to continue to be a force within the women’s division of boxing. Speaking to her and her camp, Taylor “does not give a damn” who it is, the results will always be the same. Although seven of her wins have come via decision, the overall numbers are what is impressive. In her bout against Whalstrom, Taylor won all ten rounds, outlanding her opponent by a mile. At five feet five inches, Taylor’s movement combined with her power punches is something to behold.

Taylor, along with other dominant female fighters like Cecilia Brækhus, Claressa Shields and Serrano, are in a position to do something truly special. Taylor wouldn’t have it any other way.

“From Villante to Brækhus to myself, we are changing the perspective of what makes a dominant fighter,” Taylor said. “Women are making waves in combat sports, whether in MMA or boxing. It would be great to leave behind a legacy in this sport, to make some history. That is why we are going for all the belts.” 

Taylor has loved boxing since her early youth and holds a special place in her heart for fighters like Lucia Rijker, Holly Holm and Brækhus. The dream would be to have either faced these women or hear them call her matches, a rarity in boxing for women to call bouts.

Her dreams can be the dreams of others. Kids that have a passion, according to her, should go for it with 100% effort, while they enjoy the journey.

Taylor can make history on Friday, March 15th en route to making more down the line.  What does the future hold for Taylor and women’s boxing? By working hard and taking all on challenges, inside and out of the ring, she believes the sky is the limit.

“It is important to make fights happen. In two-three years, every female fighter will get the chance we know we have earned,” Taylor stated. “The hope is that we will get recognized for all that we’ve done for the sport. Women’s boxing is here to stay!”