Connecticut BHOF Honors Katie Taylor – ‘I’m So Grateful’

Katie Taylor has been honored as the Professional Boxer of the Year by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, celebrating her status as one of the greatest female fighters in history.

The award recognizes Taylor’s achievement as a two-weight undisputed champion (at 135 and 140 pounds) and her successful year, which was summed up by her historic trilogy against Amanda Serrano. In July, Taylor secured her third straight victory over Serrano, winning the decisive bout by a majority decision (97-93, 97-93, 95-95) to retain her undisputed title at 140.

Their first fight in 2022 became the first-ever women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden. Their second fight, featured on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event, set a massive new record, becoming the most-streamed women’s boxing fight of all time with over 50 million households tuning in globally. Taylor expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“This is a huge honor. I’m so humbled and privileged to receive this award. I didn’t know a single person in Connecticut. It’s a little hard dealing with the heartache and loneliness. But I’m so grateful that I found my community in boxing. I want to especially thank, single out, Paul Cichon at Manchester ROCS gym.

“They’re the most genuine and humble people I ever came across in my life, and I celebrate with Paul for everything he’s done for me the last few years. You opened up your gym to me and you never once asked for anything in return. You guys are all about the boxing and I appreciate that. I’m so grateful. Thank you so much,” Taylor said

The Future

At the age of 39, Taylor has faced brutal wars, particularly the first Serrano fight. Continuing to fight at an age when speed and reflexes naturally decline only increases the risk of permanent damage. The goal of changing women’s boxing has been achieved, demonstrated by the Serrano trilogy setting a record as the most-streamed women’s boxing fight of all time.

Despite her accomplishments, several factors suggest Katie Taylor may choose to continue her career. The fact that she is still actively winning major titles and receiving accolades indicates she is still at the elite level. The competitive drive remains, and a lingering challenge for Taylor is her 1-1 record with Chantelle Cameron. A rematch with Cameron, perhaps staged in a huge venue like Croke Park in Ireland, would be a massive commercial event and offer Taylor the chance to definitively settle that score.