Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano press conference LIVE: Latest updates as fighters and Jake Paul speak in London
Taylor and Serrano are joined by promoters Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul ahead of the women’s April title fight
The build-up to the biggest fight in women’s boxing history continues today, as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano speak at a press conference in London ahead of their April title clash.
Never before has a women’s fight headlined New York City’s Madison Square Garden, but that will change on 30 April when undisputed lightweight champion Taylor defends her belts against seven-weight champion Serrano. Ireland’s Taylor, an Olympic gold medalist in 2012, is undefeated as a pro (20-0, six knockouts), while Puerto Rican Serrano has amassed an impressive record of 42-1-1 (30 KOs). The pair went face-to-face at a press conference in NYC last week, and they will follow that with one in the English capital this afternoon.
Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn will also be present, as will YouTube star Jake Paul, who has been promoting Serrano recently while progressing with his own in-ring career. Paul was seen wearing a ‘Make Boxing Great Again’ cap as he arrived in the UK for today’s press conference. Last week, Taylor vs Serrano became the second-highest grossing boxing presale in Madison Square Garden’s history, and the significance of the bout will likely become increasingly clear as the contest approaches.
Re-live updates from the Taylor vs Serrano press conference in London, below.
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Hearn: “I dipped my toe in YouTube boxing and I think that was it for me.
“I’m not just saying this because Jake is here, but I put him in a different category – especially if he fights a proper boxer, which I’m sure he will.
“Jake’s fresh, and I’m fresh enough – just – to where we want to work together to make this as big as possible. Come 30 April, we’ll be proud, we’ll shake hands and say: ‘When’s the next one?’ There’s too many people in boxing working against each other.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Jake Paul on where promoting Serrano here ranks among his career achievements: “Top three for sure, 100 per cent. I was super excited to post about it. I’m excited to be a part of boxing history.”
Eddie Hearn on a rematch clause: “Only if the fight is big enough. I see this fight happening two, three times. Rematch clauses only exist if the champion loses.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Serrano: “This is business, we’re in the same business. I have nothing but respect for Katie and what she’s done for this sport.
“But come 30 April when I’m in that ring, it’ll be a whole different story.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Jake Paul: “I’ve heard so many horror stories of fighters fighting for peanuts. I think we should pay them more.
“You’ve got to start somewhere, it’s a slow process.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Katie Taylor: “I think this fight is gonna tell us who the No1 pound-for-pound woman fighter in the world is.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Jake Paul: “I can help [women’s boxing] for sure, but it’s all credit to the women – especially the two here. They’re the ones putting their lives on the line, risking it all.
“I’m a friend, someone who cares about Amanda Serrano.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Katie Taylor: “This fight is actually even more important than we realise. Not only are we breaking the ceiling with female purses, but we’re actually changing perceptions.
“I’m obviously expecting and preparing for the toughest fight of my career. I won’t be found short on heart or grit; I know my mind can take me to places where I have no right to go.
“I think Amanda’s legacy will depend on this.”
Amanda Serrano: “There’s no questioning my heart, my power, my skill, my chin. I have latin blood and all the heart in the word.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Amanda Serrano: “The struggle has been real, and I’m super excited and happy that I get to see a little light at the end of the tunnel with this fight with Katie Taylor – we’re making history.
“I’m a woman for equality. If Katie Taylor’s willing, I’m ready and willing to make this 12 rounds of three minutes [each].
“If we want to make change. Same as the men.”
Katie Taylor: “I don’t really feel like that will make a huge change. The fight is already iconic the way it is.”
Serrano: “I think we need to make a stand.”
Taylor: “I think we’re already making a stand. The winner of this fight is going to be the best female fighter of all time.”
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Jake Paul: “All respect to Katie Taylor, she has an amazing career and is an amazing person.
“Amanda is a power-puncher, coming forward, unlimited cardio. Obviously it’s going to be a great fight, but I believe in Amanda.”
Taylor smirks.
Taylor vs Serrano: London press conference
Jake Paul: “This is unprecedented. More boxers across the sport should take note of this, tell your promoters you want these big fights. That’s what these ladies did and that’s why we’re here.
“If people want to show [me] respect, then cool, if not, then cool. All I want to do is bring more to this sport than I take from it.”
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