This past weekend in Boston saw many high-level prizefighters step into the ring inside of the TD Garden in Massachusetts. One of them was one of the top female fighters in the sport, Ireland’s Katie Taylor.
Taylor improved to 11-0 (5 KO’s) with a convincing unanimous decision over former champion Cindy Serrano over 10 rounds. With the win, Taylor defended her IBF and WBA female lightweight titles. And despite not being the main event of the evening, Taylor must have felt like the main showcase with UFC superstar Conor McGregor cheering her on from ringside.
McGregor is very high on Taylor and following her impressive display, he took to his Instagram to offer his praise.
“What an honour to watch our very own @katie_t86 live tonight in Boston! This lady epitomizes hard work, passion, drive, and laser like focus! A motivating inspiration! Congrats Katie and coach @rosstraining! Promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Brian Peters you both better be making sure our champion is looked after and guided fairly and correctly up that money tree as her activity is constant and consistent. This lady is an asset and should be treated as such. We are watching. Great work team Katie! #IrelandChampion”
McGregor also posted a video on his Instagram which showed just how wrapped up he was emotionally during the fight, as he could be seen barking instructions from ringside as the action unfolded.
‘A little bit of distance Katie!” McGregor yelled. “Keep space and let the shots go!”
McGregor then went backstage to congratulate his friend and offered more praise. You could see the kind of admiration the two had for one another as they spoke. McGregor made sure to life Taylor’s spirits with his words.
“No, thank you,” said McGregor. “It was an honor to see you live, honestly. You can see it in your eyes when you are in there. You’re nice as pie, but you’re ruthless in there. It was an honor for me to come here and see you live. Just keep doing your thing You are an Irish hero. I’m proud of you and who you are as a woman. Inside of the ring, of course, but outside of the ring.”
There is no denying that Taylor is one of the biggest stars in women’s boxing. After the matchup she actually called for a fight with Cindy’s sister Amanda Serrano, who has captured titles in six weight classes while compiling an impressive record herself, at 35-1-1 with 26 knockouts.
Taylor has said she believe Amanda is ducking her, but the younger Serrano sister has fired back and said she would love the fight. It would be a dandy if it happened.
It’s a good time to be a female fighter these days. Other female fighters, such as two-time gold medalist Claressa Shields and others, have taken the torch and are paving the way. So too does Taylor belong in a special class. Let’s hope the big fights come her way.
