“I’ve great memories of coming here as a kid.”
Katie Taylor, has been there, seen that, and got the belt. The undisputed champion is at the very top of the sport but there has been one key thing missing in recent years – the fans.
The Bray native has been fighting in empty venues since the COVID-19 pandemic, but this Saturday night, the crowds finally make a return.
Peter Taylor, the champ’s father, grew up in Yorkshire, so where better for the fans to make a return than Leeds?
“This has been a long time coming, the atmosphere’s going to be electric. I have a soft heart towards Leeds and it’s going to be amazing to fight here.
“I’ve great memories of coming here as a kid, visiting this city and going to Elland Road for Leeds United games, they’re some of my best memories. To have a chance to actually fight here is really special.”
Taylor will face her IBF mandatory challenger Jennifer Han as co-main event on the Josh Warrington v Mauricio Lara fight.
Many fans are looking at Amanda Serrano as a potential opponent for the Irishwoman, but Taylor insist she isn’t overlooking Han.
“She’s a very good fighter, a very technical fighter. She had a good amateur career as well.
“I don’t tend to watch a lot of my opponents to be honest. I leave that stuff up to my coach and watch a few clips every now and then [but] I know that she’s technically very good.
“I think she’s going to bring her A-game on Saturday night, that’s usually the case when they step into the ring against myself so I’m expecting a very tough fight.”
Looking ahead to a potential showdown with Amanda Serrano, the undisputed champion is unsure about when or if that fight will take place.
“I don’t know when that fight is going to be made,” Taylor said in response.
“The fight hasn’t happened not because of me, I obviously want the big names and the big fights so I guess the ball is in her court.
“I have a great team of people around me and their responsibility is to make those fights happen, I’m just here to focus on my fights and my training.
“Thankfully I’ve been involved in some of the biggest fights in women’s boxing and I don’t think we’ve ever ducked any opponent.
“You have all seen who I’ve fought in the past. We want the big fights, the history making fights and I think me and my team have done a great job of that.”
